THE re-opening of a music venue will be delayed due to building issues. 

Bootleggers Bar in Kendal, which has been closed since the pandemic, was scheduled to have a pre-opening party on Friday followed by the official opening on Saturday. 

However in a statement, a spokesperson said: "Despite us moving heaven and earth it won't be possible to complete the additional works in time.

"We want to send heartfelt apologies as we know how disappointed everyone will be by this and our team are gutted too." 

The spokesperson attributed the delay to building control discovering 'complicated issues with the building structure that are beyond our control.' The venue will not be signed off until the issues are rectified, the spokesperson said. 

"We want to do justice to this historical building and of course safety has to come first," they added. 

Bootleggers thanked its builders and fitters for working evenings, weekends and bank holidays to try to open the venue on time, and its own team of staff. 

"Everyone has really worked so hard to get the project over the line and they deserve to be thanked," the spokesperson said. 

Tickets will be automatically refunded and Bootleggers promised to share a new opening date once the bar has had sign-off from building control. 

Westmorland Group, which also runs Kendal pubs Ye Olde Fleece Inn, The Gateway Inn, and The Duke of Cumberland, is now operating the venue. 

Director Josh Macaulay previously said: "Bootleggers is a great asset for Kendal which has been seriously missed since it closed in 2020.

"It is important that we keep the same vibe and culture because Bootleggers was a fantastic place that holds an important place in many people's memories and we want to ensure we carry that legacy forward in everything we do."

The venue, in the Market Place, was first set up in 1998 by Jonty Martindale.