A 'legendary' bar and music venue is set to reopen this weekend after a £700,000 renovation project.

Bootleggers in Kendal will host local, UK, and international bands in its newly expanded premises.

The venue now boasts a 150-seat café and restaurant serving Mediterranean-themed tapas.

Chris Moss, one of the directors of the Westmorland Group, which operates the venue, said: "We are really excited to be bringing Bootleggers back to Kendal for the benefit of the community - it is just what Kendal needs."

The reopening kicks off on October 25 with a pre-opening VIP night featuring a performance by band District 5 and a DJ set.

The official reopening night on October 26 will see 'renowned' ABBA tribute band Voulez Vous take the stage.

Mr Moss said: "Tickets are selling like hot cakes.

"The early bird tickets have already sold out for both nights but standard tickets are available.

"People can book via the Bootleggers website."

The original Bootleggers building remains, but the Westmorland Group has also acquired 13 Market Place, which backs on to the old Bootleggers.

A wall was knocked down to create one large venue, with a new street-facing entrance in Market Place.

The original snug area, bar, stage, and first-floor balcony remain, but have been refurbished.

Josh Macaulay, fellow Westmorland Group director, said: "The stage has been upgraded so it is a bit higher, which will improve the views for everyone and give a more theatrical feel.

"We have installed £150,000 worth of high-tech sound and lighting equipment which puts us on the same level as major UK music venues.

"We have also added a new green room for bands."

The new bar, café, and restaurant dining area will serve tapas with Spanish, Italian, and French influences.

Head chef Richard Hall, who has worked as an international chef on cruise liners and in the Alps, will lead the kitchen.

The venture has created around 30 new jobs, including kitchen staff, front of house, management, sound and lighting technicians, and security staff.

The bar will serve a range of local ales and craft beers.

The restaurant can be hired for functions and a VIP area with a balcony provides a view of the stage for private groups.

Mr Moss said: "Bootleggers had been due to open on September 27 but we had to put that back due to some complex building control issues, which have now been resolved.

"We have put two buildings into one and when you do work involving very old buildings there are difficulties in bringing them up to meet modern regulations.

"We have had some real technical challenges and the team has worked around the clock to get these things resolved.

"We were very excited when we got the sign-off on Monday and we have been moving forward at an amazing rate since then."

Bootleggers will feature live music on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, with occasional shows from touring bands on weekday nights.

Mr Moss and Mr Macaulay thanked the builders, staff and stakeholders for their 'hard work and dedication'.

Mr Macaulay said: "We also want to pay tribute to the late Jonty Martindale who helped set up Bootleggers in 1998 and ran the venue for many years.

"We want to honour his legacy and carry it forward to the next generation."