Bank funding opens doors for new Worcester restaurant
The Centenary Lounge, a popular 1930s art deco bistro, has opened a second lounge in Worcester city centre after securing a £337,000 loan from HSBC UK.
Close to Foregate Street Station, the grade-two listed 18th century building has been transformed into a contemporary bistro featuring art deco design from the 1930s. The opening has created 20 full and part-time jobs.
Business owner, Aasia Baig, bought the building in 2016 and used the funding to completely renovate the 1,000 sq ft property ready for launch.
The business celebrates ‘the golden age of travel’ by opening stores in close proximity to stations owned by The Great Western Railway. This strategy of opening new lounges will allow Aasia to maintain each building’s original character, while showcasing the elegance of art deco – a trend that has proved popular with customers.
Aasia Baig, Owner and Founder of The Centenary Lounge, said: “We want our customers to relive the style, glamour and sophistication of ‘the golden age of travel’ as we pay homage to The Great Western Railway. With support from our HSBC UK Relationship Manager, Alex Richards, we have been able to recapture the décor of a First Class period railway buffet.”
Aasia Baig opened her first Centenary Lounge in 2009 at Moor Street Station, Birmingham. This was shortly followed by a ‘grab and go’ food and drink stall at neighbouring station, Snow Hill.
Stephen Peart, Area Director for Worcester, HSBC UK, said: “HSBC UK is committed to supporting Great British businesses, helping them to realise their ambitions. The coffee scene in the Midlands has taken off and Aasia is perfectly placed to grow the business by offering her guests a completely unique ‘dine-in’ experience. We look forward to supporting Aasia and her team on their exciting journey.”
