A popular chain bar and restaurant is to close all its branches across Southampton for one day.

Lounges, which has several branches across Hampshire, including the Maritimo Lounge in Ocean Village, Santo Lounge in Shirley, and Trago Lounge in Portswood, will be closed today for the annual staff party.

LoungeFest, which started in 2013, is Loungers' annual event for its more than 9,000 staff.

Guy Youll, Loungers’ chief people officer, said: "Back in 2013, Loungers was one of the first in the hospitality industry to host a party like this and I’m delighted we’ve kept close to our roots by continuing every year getting bigger and better.

Staff-only festival prompts one-day closure of all Lounge restaurantsStaff-only festival prompts one-day closure of all Lounge restaurants (Image: Suzie Smith) "Our teams work incredibly hard all year round so LoungeFest is our way of celebrating them and showing how much we appreciate the dedication and care they put in every day at all our sites to deliver great hospitality.

"It’s going to be quite a party."

This year’s LoungeFest, being held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, has an 'At the Movies' theme where team members will be able to enjoy fairground rides, DJ sets, music stages hosting performances from bands and Loungers’ staff, games, activities and a huge array of food and drink stalls… all completely free.

All lounges will reopen as usual on Tuesday.