A BOWNESS bar enjoyed its re-launch evening following the completion of two new terraces which are part of its £1.5m expansion project.

Lake View Garden Bar, located on Lake Road, has had two new terraces completed at the front of the venue, which has boosted its capacity and provided a new and unique building for the public to enjoy. 

The bar hosted its launch night on October 7.

Owned by Stephen Hargreaves, who is also the CEO and founder of Hargreaves Enterprises Ltd, the project will also see the creation of another level which will make the bar capable of holding 500 people.

Stephen Hargreaves CEO and founder of Hargreaves Enterprises Ltd said: “Our opening night went really well.

“We’ve had a lot of people come down who are curious to see what we’ve done.

“After 20 years of planning to create this place, I am happy we are there

“The refurbishment has been going on for 25 months, with an amazing team of developers, an amazing site manager and an amazing team working to create it. Blood sweat and tears.

“In this bar we have 35-40 staff members, and the venue on the two levels we’ve created can hold about 300. Maybe 350 with standing room, and once we finish the top floor it will be 500 people.

“It will be the largest capacity in the Lakes.

“I think it’s our customers who guide us to what we do next. You listen and communicate so they can guide you to what they like. That’s the drive.

“I think everyone has to go through a change as a world we are in a strange place. Lot of confusion, lot of anger in the world, so part of running hospitality is to allow people to have some time out from all of that in an environment where they feel safe and enjoy themselves. Let them switch off for a night, enjoy being in the Lake District.”

Rita Millat, designer for the bar, said: “The actual house was a Victorian house. It was built in 1843. When I got the project, we started to knock walls and things began to appear, old beams, bits, and bobs from the old house.

“The style of the design then changed in my hand. The house spoke to me and I thought it could be an industrial style pub with a modern twist. I felt the area needed something a bit different and a bit quirky.

“It’s around 18 months with the building team, most things being made locally.

“I’ve loved the opening night. Even as a designer I sat in the window seat seeing people go in and out, and I wanted them to feel at home. I hope I succeeded in that.”

For more information go to lakeviewgardenbar.com.

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