A South Lakeland arts and entertainment venue has reopened, following months of closure due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal began welcoming visitors once again on Wednesday.

The centre had closed its doors to the public almost half a year ago, amid the initial UK outbreak of the virus.

Bosses at the cultural hub were forced to announce a painful round of redundancies this summer, impacting almost 40 per cent of its staff.

However, The Brewery now aims to bounce back, aided in part by an anticipated tourism boom in the Lakes that it is hoped will sustain the area's businesses through the autumn and winter months. 

Due to new government restrictions, the centre is looking to structure a considerable degree of its reopening programme around the food and drinks offerings available at its Kendal site.

Its reopening drive has also been boosted by the acquisition of Michelin-Star chef, Steven Doherty.

The first phase of the reopening process centres around non-live entertainment, creative learning courses and a transformed ‘informal style’ food and drink offering.

Bosses say reconfigured cinema auditoriums with fewer seats will provide “a safe, intimate experience that people can enjoy in group ‘bubbles’.”

The Brewery’s popular creative learning courses will take place with new Covid-safe measures in the art rooms and studios.

The centre also reported an increase in the courses that take place off site, such as the street photography programmes it offers.

Commenting on this week's reopening, South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “It is fantastic news that the Brewery are reopening their doors this week.

“This has been a tough time for so many businesses, particularly those in the arts and hospitality sectors, and so it’s important we back them and help them get back on their feet.”