MORE than 20 jobs are being created at a new restaurant which is opening this week on the site of an old Kidderminster carpet factory.

Tappeto Lounge will open its doors on Thursday (April 20) in the Riverside Walk development in the town centre following a half a million pound investment by West Country based restaurant and café group Loungers.

A total of 25 new jobs have been created at the restaurant for people in the district.

The redevelopment, costing £512,000 has seen the company install vintage sofas and old school benches, eclectic art work, quirky curios, Pop-Art-inspired table tops and statement lighting.

A huge mixed media mural depicting the creation of the Penny Black has been commissioned for the back bar.

Bosses say there is a particular focus to making it family-friendly with a selection of games, books, colouring pencils and pads available for youngsters.

A community notice board will be available for those wanting to publicise events and a book swap area is to be kept well stocked.

Staff will also be holding regular fund raising events which the company says is part of Loungers’ commitment to making a difference in the community.

And the town’s heritage and history of the site – which once housed Brintons Carpets HQ – is also being honoured in the name of the new restaurant. Tappeto means carpet in Italian – a nod to the old factory.

Jenny Arnot, operations manager, Loungers, said: “We’re delighted to be opening Tappeto Lounge in this beautiful development and showing the locals how to lounge in style.

“We’re very family-friendly and well-practised at keeping the little ones happy.

“The team at Tappeto Lounge is also looking forward to becoming party of the community and will support local groups and initiatives wherever possible.”