MAJOR changes are to be made to one of Kendal's only late night venues.

The Dun Horse, on Stramongate, has closed its doors temporarily after the last ever "Dunny Disco" on Saturday (Jan 3).

Its closure comes after Dave Burgess, 49, manager for three years, decided not to renew his lease at the pub-come-night-club.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Dun Horse's reopening date, it has been confirmed that wholesale changes are to be made to the site.

It is bad news for revellers as Punch Taverns, who own the site, say it will not be a late night venue in the future.

The company plans to spend £250,000 renovating the site in order to "reposition the pub in a changing market place."

A spokesperson for Punch Taverns said: "We are planning a significant investment at the Dun Horse and have earmarked over a quarter of a million pounds to spend on the refurbishment, developing the pub into a more food orientated venue with quality letting rooms.

"We are actively seeking a new long term tenant and, once recruited, we will begin work.

"In the meantime, the pub will continue to operate in its present guise as a late night venue.”

Mr Burgess, who is seeking a new career outside Cumbria, shed more light on the renovation work.

"By the sounds of it, it could be something like Sphere Wine and Tapas Bar (also on Stramongate) but it's definitely going to be nothing like it is now," he said. "There's plans to make the guest rooms all en suite."

Speaking about his time in Kendal, he said: "I have met some fantastic people in Kendal, a lot of lovely people and I would like to thank everybody for their support and wish everybody well for the future."

Punch Taverns also owns Ye Olde Fleece Inn, on Highgate, which is currently closed.

A spokesperson for Punch Taverns told the Gazette that there are plans to refurbish that site too and an amount in the region of £150,000 will be committed towards the improvements.