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 through its doors once again yesterday, after closing almost half a year ago - when the virus first hit the UK.

The centre has been forced to announce a round of redundancies impacting almost 40 per cent of its staff.

However, the cultural hub 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 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 street photography programmes that encourage participants to look at Kendal in a new way.

Commenting on the 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.”