A quirky and eccentric restaurant is set to open its doors in the heart of Newton Abbot.

Food and drink operator Loungers Ltd is hoping to set up shop in Queen Street and has set its sights on the Tony Pryce sports shop.

Loungers, the brains behind establishments including The Lounge and Cosy Club, has lodged its proposed venture with Teignbridge Council.

A string of jobs would be created if the scheme is backed by the district council’s planning officers.

With more than 100 outlets in the UK, Loungers offers a meeting place where people can eat and drink in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

A planning report, sent to the council, reads: ‘The applicants have demonstrated that the proposed use would contribute to the long-term vitality and viability of Newton Abbot town centre.’

Loungers believe its scheme would benefit the town by bringing in investment and providing jobs.

Jon Clyne, director of commercial property agents Charles Darrow, said: ‘The application is fantastic news for Newton Abbot.

‘I hope it will be embraced by Teignbridge’s planning department as they are quality operators and would continue to improve the look of Queen Street and the area as a whole.’

Mr Clyne added: ‘Having frequented a number of their sites on numerous occasions, I cannot speak highly enough of them.

‘This again shows the appetite for larger operators willing to invest in Newton Abbot and long may it continue.

‘This application must be backed by the local authority if we are going to continue this upward trajectory of investment in the town.’

Officers at the district authority are set to make a decision on the application in April.