Lancaster city centre venue closes for revamp as announcement made on new owners

It's been announced that a Lancaster bar and restaurant has closed for refurbishment and that there are new owners.

Signs in the window of The Cornerhouse, and a post on its Facebook page, said the venue on the corner of New Street and Church Street in the city centre is temporarily shut.

"We would like to wish the new owners all the best in their new venture," said the Facebook post.

"The Cornerhouse will be closed temporarily for a refurbishment.

"We would like to thank all our wonderful customers for their support over the years.

"For bookings please use our sister restaurant Paolo Giannis."

A sign at The Cornerhouse in Lancaster, pictured Tuesday September 1 2026. Photo: Beyond Radio

People who have booked The Cornerhouse for events are being asked to contact Paolo Giannis.

The Cornerhouse has been run the by the same company who run Paolo Giannis, the pizza and pasta restaurant which reopened at nearby 46-48 Church Street in March 2026.

Beyond Radio has reached out to them for further information.

Prior to becoming the Cornerhouse, the former Co-Op premises had a number of different names including, for a time, Paolo Giannis itself, and Sphere Bar.

It was home to a Chicago Rock Cafe for much of the 2000s and then for a short while, an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant.

The Cornerhouse building.

UPDATE: September 3.

It's been announced that The Cornerhouse will reopen under the name The Gilded Lily.

The lounge, bar and restaurant has been described as "a new concept at the Cornerhouse" and the venue is currently recruiting.

Read more: Italian restaurant reopens in original Lancaster location 25 years on - Beyond Radio