The Brewery Arts Centre

The Brewery Arts Centre can be found in the centre of Kendal and is a vibrant facility that strives to bring the arts to the public. With a theatre, cinema, galleries, live music venue, bar, and other smaller workshop and exhibition spaces, the centre is able to offer a whole host of arts activities throughout the year.

As well as live events, performances, and exhibitions, the centre offers a varied programme of creative learning programmes, and it also hosts several festivals, including the popular Kendal Mountain Festival.

History

As the name implies, the Brewery Arts centre was once home to a brewery. Initially, John Whitwell set up a winery at the site in 1757 and according to reports over 40,000 gallons of wine were kept here. In 1858, the business was sold to William Mark who created an ale brewery on the premises and many of the original buildings from that brewery are still in situ today and form part of the arts centre.

The brewery was sold to Vaux Breweries in 1946 and sadly ceased trading in 1968. Shortly after, work began on the large site to convert it into an arts centre and it was opened in 1972. Since then, the centre has hosted many famous names and has become a leading arts education venue in the area.

Things To See

As mentioned above, the Brewery Arts Centre is home to several arts facilities.

Theatre

One of the largest is the Brewery’s theatre, with a seating capacity of 263. Throughout the year, the theatre hosts regular performances of dance and drama, including family theatre and special shows at Christmas.

The centre has two cinema screens that not only show the big box office hits, but also offer screenings from independent filmmakers, as well as foreign films and live “stage on screen” showings where West End shows are screened live to cinema audiences.

Live Music

The Malt Room is another large space that can be used for a variety of shows and tends to be where live music shows and comedy acts take place, whilst the Warehouse is a smaller setting for more intimate performances and film screenings.

Exhibitions

The centre also has a gallery that hosts a changing selection of exhibitions, often from Cumbrian artists. In addition, print artists can create art here using specialist equipment in the brewery’s print room, and fans of traditional photography can access a professional dark room within the centre.

Workshops & Courses

Throughout the year, the centre provides many creative learning workshops and courses, with many geared for children and teenagers. Topics covered include film-making, dance, drama, yoga classes, jewellery making, foreign languages, photography, musical instruments, pottery, and more. Some are one off workshops whilst others run on a weekly basis.

Useful Information

Food is available from the Brewery’s Vats Bar, though not on Sundays and Mondays. The bar is popular thanks to its range of pizzas, and locally brewed ale is also available here. Alternatively, the Intro Café is a child friendly space that serves light lunches, cakes, and other snacks, with vegan and gluten free options available.

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