A KENDAL nightspot has relaunched under new management.

The George and Dragon pub, on Branthwaite Brow, has reopened its function room as a nightclub using its previous name of Route 66.

The venue has a licence to stay open until 3.30am on Friday and Saturday.

It is now owned by Karl Seaton, Rob Dookie and Matthew Lees, and will be managed by Sue Dawson, who formerly ran The New Inn on Highgate.

Karl said their aim was to make the drinking spot a more ‘upmarket venue’.

“We did a little bit of research into Kendal and when we looked into this pub we saw the function room and saw the potential it had. We’ve completely renovated it and, because we knew it used to be called Route 66, we’ve tried to add quirky touches.

“For example, instead of ladies and gents on the toilets you’ve got Marilyn Monroe and Steve McQueen.

“The music will be mainly funky house mixed with R’n’B but if a customer puts a request in we’ll try to play it.”

Among the changes are that the George and Dragon pub will now be serving food during the day and Route 66 has a ‘smart casual’ dress code.

Karl explained: “It’s just about trying to make it that little bit smarter and attract a nice crowd.

“On the opening Friday night we were quite lenient but we made people aware of the dress code, but then Saturday was unbelievable – everyone was dressed nicely and the queue was going down the street.”

There are also plans to introduce live singers and bands to the venue, with Karl saying their aim was to have a ‘day festival’ on Sundays, in which acts have a 30-45 minute slot each to perform.

“We’re hoping that it will attract a lot of performers from different genres — everything from rock to pop — because it will bring a mix of people in.”