THE director of a major South Lakeland arts and entertainment hub has reported ‘positive’ signs with customers returning in its first week since reopening.

Miriam Randall, CEO of the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, has reported high numbers of booking and ‘lots of positive feedback’ over the past week.

Reopening its doors to the public last week for the first time in almost six months, the centre’s head has been buoyed by the Brewery’s experiences over the past seven days.

Ms Randall told The Gazette: “It’s been brilliant. It’s been so good to be open again.

“Customers seem to be so happy to be back. We’ve had a lot of positive feedback.

“We’ve made sure there’s a lot of extra room and visitors can be completely safe in their groups of six or less.

“The cinema’s open, too. We’re screening Christopher Nolan’s new blockbuster, Tenet, along with some classic films and family favourites.

“We’re finding people are really enjoying the return to entertainment forms they weren’t able to access during lockdown - a lot of them appreciate a bit of escapism right now. We’ve got our creative learning classes beginning next week.

"They will be running throughout the autumn term.”

“We’re used to adapting now. So we’ve got the formula.”

On the Brewery’s future plans, as it looks ahead to the subsequent ‘phases’ of its reopening drive, Ms Randall said:

“We have gigs and live events being developed for early 2021. But for now, it’s good just to have a social hub for the arts reopening and available for residents in the community to go to.

“We’re open every day from eleven o’clock. Anyone can drop in. Evenings are filling up very quickly, though, so I’d recommend booking ahead.”

Commenting on the centre’s reopening, South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “It’s fantastic news that the reopening of the Brewery has been a success.

"I’m sure it’s not been an easy last six months for everyone involved there. We are blessed to have some fantastic arts and cultural venues in Cumbria – it’s important we continue to give them our full support in these very uncertain times.”