A SOUTH Cumbria brewery is building on the success of its bar in Kendal, by opening a second in Leeds.

Handsome Brewery, which is based in Bowston, opened the Handsome Snuff Bar, in Kent Street, in July last year.

Erin Vallente, who oversees operations at the bar, says the venue has proved popular with local beer and wine fans and the company is in the process of opening another bar opposite the University of Leeds.

The new location in Leeds will be quadruple the size of the Kendal bar, and aims to make the most of the student and professional trade.

"We are really lucky with our location, and are all proud of what we have achieved, and to be a part of the Handsome team" says Erin.

"We're right in the middle of a collection of four other craft bars in the area, so we've nested in really well for that sort of clientele. We sell most of our own beers, and a few guests that change weekly.

“We've got a great selection of craft lagers and hand pulls, with craft ales and stouts. It's a nice eclectic mix. Our brewer has exceptional skills, his beers are all about creating something flavorsome, and elegant, but still honouring traditional brewing.

“We also offer a wide range of quality spirits, and wines by the glass, a number of which are from French vineyards we have a close working relationship with, providing award winning wines.

"There's a really diverse group of pubs in Kendal and we all offer something slightly different. We don't see ourselves as being in competition with the other pubs, we're all in it together.

“We put a lot of work into getting the atmosphere just right in the bar. Using soft, comfortable furnishings to make sure it’s a warm and welcoming environment. It just makes people want to sit and relax and enjoy themselves. We try and match the mood to the clientele that are in here, from dimming the chandeliers when the sun goes down and lighting the candles, to changing the music style and volume to suit our guests.

“It's a very safe and sociable pub. The designer has done an amazing job with the bar and branding throughout Handsome as a company.

"I have worked in hospitality for over 20 years, in bars, night clubs, restaurants and hotels, throughout the North West, Cumbria and even in Austria. Working for Handsome is an absolute pleasure, we have great employers. I love customer service, and the people that we get in here are wonderful. It's really nice to be able to interact with them, teach them about our beers and help figure out what sort of drink that they want. I just really enjoy the ambience, we get lovely people in, and they keep coming back.”

“We can’t wait to build on this with our new venture in Leeds and spread the taste of great Cumbrian beer across the North.”