Kendal’s Brewery Arts Centre has announced their official reopening date as 9th September. This first phase of re-opening will see the cinema and creative learning programmes making a comeback alongside the launch of a new dining offer by Michelin award winning chef Steven Doherty.
The Brewery has been a sorely missed cultural venue for Kendal and its return will be eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike. The welcome news comes after more than five months of closure and difficult decisions forced upon the organisation by Covid-19. CEO Miriam Randall explains the reality of the situation and her hopes for the future;
“Covid-19 has had a catastrophic impact on arts venues, making many live events unviable with social distancing in place. The Brewery is one of many organisations having to reshape its business model to withstand the current climate into the future. Following a restructure in consultation with our staff, we will sadly see 32 members of the team being made redundant or ending casual contracts. This has been incredibly tough for everyone concerned and my thanks go to the entire staff team for their resilience and understanding during this unprecedented time of change. The remaining 53 staff are working hard to reconfigure and upgrade the venue to provide the safest and most enjoyable experience possible for our community and customers.“
The Brewery’s first re-opening phase centres around non-live entertainment, innovative creative learning courses and a transformed informal style top-quality food and drink offering. Customer and employee safety has been an important consideration for the organisation, but has equally provided an opportunity to enhance the customer experience too.
Reconfigured cinema auditoriums with fewer seats will provide a safe, intimate experience that people can enjoy in group ‘bubbles’. The new film programme features the long awaited blockbuster Tenet, as well as a host of family favourites at weekends, together with the best in independent and rediscovered classics.
The Brewery’s ever popular creative learning courses will take place with new Covid-safe measures in the art rooms and studios and there has also been an increase in the courses that take place off site, such as street photography courses that encourage participants to look at Kendal in a new way.
The addition of Steven Doherty to the staff team as the new Head Chef will transform the dining offer inside the Brewery’s bar and restaurant, outside on the terraces or spacious garden, or to takeaway. Described as “one of the greatest chefs of his generation” by Great British Chefs, Steven is known for his simple, unfussy cooking in the heart of the Lake District, celebrating local produce and classic British dishes.
More announcements are due about the re-opening programme and how you can get involved.
