One of Andover High Street’s newest hospitality venues is celebrating a major milestone today, as Vicolo Lounge marks its first birthday with a day of entertainment, birthday treats and live music from a newly crowned Andover Music Award winner.
Exactly one year after opening its doors on 15 October 2025, Vicolo Lounge is inviting residents, families and visitors to join the celebrations, with activities planned throughout the day and a special evening performance from local musician Paul Jude Wilson.
The café-bar, which occupies the former Barclays Bank building at 5 High Street, has become a familiar addition to Andover’s hospitality scene, offering somewhere for residents to enjoy everything from morning coffee and brunch to evening meals and cocktails.
Its arrival in October last year marked a new chapter for one of the town centre’s historic buildings, transforming a former banking premises into a colourful and welcoming social space.
From Former Bank to Bustling Café-Bar
The story of Vicolo Lounge’s arrival in Andover began in March 2025, when plans to bring the popular Lounges brand to the town were first revealed.
By August, the company had confirmed the venue’s name and opening date, with extensive work taking place to transform the former Barclays Bank into a modern café-bar while retaining the character of the building.
The property itself dates back to 1915 and is a listed building, making its conversion a notable example of a historic town centre premises being given a new purpose.
Inside, the former bank was transformed with patterned wallpapers, wooden flooring, vintage-style sofas, upholstered chairs, eclectic artwork and statement lighting.
The result was a distinctive venue spread across two floors, combining relaxed seating areas with spaces for dining, socialising and enjoying a drink. Outdoor tables also brought additional activity to the High Street.
Vicolo Lounge is part of the Lounges group, a hospitality business founded in Bristol in 2002 by three friends, Dave Reid, Alex Reilley and Jake Bishop.
The concept behind the brand is straightforward: creating informal, welcoming neighbourhood venues where people can spend time throughout the day, whether meeting friends, enjoying a family meal or simply stopping for a coffee.
When Vicolo Lounge opened, John English, Head of Community at Loungers, spoke of the company’s ambition to become involved in the local community.
That commitment was demonstrated immediately, with the venue partnering with Andover charity NeighbourCare and pledging 50p from every burger and 20p from every coffee sold during its first month of trading to support the organisation.
A Warm Welcome to Andover
The venue officially opened to the public on Wednesday 15 October 2025, welcoming its first customers for breakfast and lunch before hosting an invitation-only launch celebration that evening.
Local businesses, community representatives and invited guests attended the opening event, giving them an opportunity to explore the newly transformed building.
Love Andover was among those visiting the venue during its opening day, with photographer Daniel Ghita capturing the atmosphere of the evening celebrations.
The opening attracted considerable local interest, with early visitors praising the décor, atmosphere and food. The venue’s popularity also brought some initial challenges, including stock shortages during its first few days, which management subsequently acknowledged in responses to customer feedback.
Over the following year, Vicolo Lounge continued offering an extensive all-day menu, including breakfasts, burgers, tapas, salads, vegetarian and vegan dishes, alongside dedicated gluten-free options.
The venue has also maintained a family-friendly approach, with games, books and colouring activities available for younger visitors, while dogs are welcome too.
One Year On – Time for a Birthday Party
Now, twelve months after those first customers walked through the doors, the team is preparing to celebrate its anniversary with the people who have supported the venue during its first year.
The birthday festivities will take place throughout Thursday 15 October, with birthday cake, surprises and small gifts for visitors joining the celebrations.
Families are particularly welcome, with a children’s disco scheduled between 4pm and 5pm, giving younger visitors the chance to join in the birthday fun.
The entertainment will continue into the evening, with live music beginning at 7pm.
And the choice of performer brings an additional local connection to the celebrations.
Andover Music Award Winner Paul Jude Wilson to Perform
Taking to the stage will be Andover musician Paul Jude Wilson, who has even more reason to celebrate following his success at the inaugural Andover Music Awards earlier this week.
Paul was crowned Best Male at the awards ceremony held at The Lights on Tuesday 13 October, an event organised by Andover Radio and Love Andover to recognise and celebrate the area’s musical talent.
His appearance at Vicolo Lounge comes just two days after that achievement, providing an opportunity for local residents to enjoy a performance from one of the town’s newly recognised award-winning artists.
The performance is scheduled to begin at 7pm and will form the centrepiece of the venue’s evening birthday celebrations.
A Positive Addition to Andover High Street
The first anniversary is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of bringing new life to empty town centre premises.
The transformation of the former Barclays Bank building represented an investment in Andover High Street, returning a prominent historic property to everyday use and introducing another hospitality destination to the town centre.
With changing shopping habits continuing to shape high streets across the country, venues that encourage people to visit, meet friends and spend time in their town centres have an important role to play.
For Vicolo Lounge, its first year has been about more than serving food and drinks. From its opening partnership with NeighbourCare to its family-friendly approach and now its birthday celebration featuring a local award-winning musician, the venue has sought to establish connections with the wider Andover community.
And as it enters its second year, the team is inviting that community to join them in marking the occasion.
Birthday Celebrations – What’s Happening?
- Throughout the day: Birthday cake, fun, surprises and small birthday gifts for visitors.
- 4pm–5pm: Children’s disco, with families and little ones invited to join the fun.
- From 7pm: Live music from Paul Jude Wilson, winner of Best Male at the 2026 Andover Music Awards.
The celebrations take place today, Thursday 15 October, at Vicolo Lounge, 5 High Street, Andover.
Further information about the venue, its menus and regular activities can be found on the Vicolo Lounge website.
One year after breathing new life into a former bank, Vicolo Lounge is celebrating its first birthday in the heart of Andover – and everyone is invited to be part of it.