A LAKE District court has been undergoing somewhat of a transformation - providing a welcome space for many new hospitality businesses in the town.

Packhorse Court in Keswick has in recent years had a 'shift in dynamic', with the area that may have been seen previously as a somewhat forgotten part of the town, becoming a vibrant space for tourists and locals to enjoy the many hospitality businesses in the town. 

Recently, plans for new hospitality business have included the licencing approval for Lakes Limoncello to move into the court, opening "a viewable production area and shop, alongside a social space where we can offer talks and tastings in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere".

Jenni Hutchinson, the owner of Lake District Wines, has said that there has been a 'shift in dynamic' within the court, which may in recent years have been seen as 'off the beaten track a little'.

She said: "Every alcohol business that is coming into the court is kind of specialised... we are proud of what we do and what we produce and we are trying to make people appreciate what we are selling. It's not about quantity, its about quality.

"The people who are coming into Packhorse Court are people who want to try nice wines and want to try nice beers. It's become really lovely just having a shared appreciation of what we are doing."

Jenny said that the new businesses moving into the court are 'only going to benefit each other'. She said: "We all want to do events for locals and make it a really nice area all year round, as well as catering for tourists as well.

"Were just all trying to work together, get a community feel and make it a really pleasant place."

As well the news that Lakes Limoncello would be opening, a planning application has been granted for Crooked River Brewing Co. to transform the former gift shop in Packhorse Court into its flagship taproom.

Phil Scholey, co-founder at the Crooked River Brewing Co. said: "The appeal to us was that the courtyard is going through a transformation from a shopping centre to a popular food and drink destination for Keswick.

"Before we took on the lease we met with other hospitality businesses in Packhorse Court and it was immediately clear that everyone wants to collaborate and build on the courtyard’s reputation.

"This is what really attracted us to initially and everyone seems welcoming to the idea of more hospitality businesses moving in too."