We are excited to announce that the Vats are being reinstated in the Brewery Arts Bar.
Over the past five years, many people in our local community have told us how much the Vats have been missed. As an important part of Brewery Arts’ heritage and identity, we know they hold a special place in the memories of many of our customers and visitors.
The Vats were removed during the COVID-19 pandemic to help maintain social distancing and ensure the safety of both our customers and our team. While we appreciated their significance within the building, at the time we made the difficult decision to remove them in order to create a safer environment for everyone using the space.
We are now delighted to be in a position to bring them back.
“I used to drink in The Vats Bar in the 80’s and worked in the restaurant in the early 90’s. I’ve lost count of how many gigs I’ve been to, films I’ve watched and exhibitions I’ve seen here! The Vats are a truly important part of not just The Brewery’s heritage but Kendal’s, seeing them being built back and hearing our customer’s comments (both old and new) when they see them is a joy.” Cate Bentley, Operations Director
Having spent the last five years carefully stored in dry, heated and comfortable conditions at our storage facility, the Vats have emerged in excellent condition. Our in-house maintenance team is now working on reinstating them in the bar.
“We are moving into an exciting new phase in our Bar & Restaurant, led by our brilliant Operations Director, Cate Bentley and team. The team have been working hard to plan the right time to return the Vats as well as launching more social events in the Bar, and extending other community favourites such as Summer Sundays into the Summer evenings. We are all looking forward to seeing everyone across the Summer and beyond, to enjoy these positive changes!” Miriam Randall, CEO
The return of the Vats forms part of a wider refresh of our Bar & Restaurant offer, including our Tuesday social events, our pub quiz, new garden menu, extended Summer Sundays events, and a new focus on supporting local breweries and suppliers.
With Brewery Arts preparing to celebrate its 55th anniversary next year, this feels like the perfect time to restore such an important part of our heritage.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on the support of our customers and community. More than 85% of our income is raised through our self-generated income, via ticket sales, commercial activity, and generous donations. The remaining 15% is gratefully received from grants via public funding. Thanks to this support, over the past 10 years, we have reached more than one million people through our venue, our work in schools across the county, and projects within communities to increase creative skills, improve health and wellbeing, and launch and sustain creative careers.
For any questions about our exciting changes in the Bar & Restaurant, please contact cate.bentley@breweryarts.co.uk
Thank you for your support!
The Brewery Arts Team
