WINE-LOVERS in Kendal are in for a treat as work begins to double the size and extend the offering of one of the town's most popular bars.

Tina and Colin Dulson, the owners of 19 The Wine Bar on Lowther Street, have announced that their long-standing plans expand the bar into ‘Next Door’ are finally underway.

The couple bought the bustling bar in May 2018 and it is known for its quirky layout over three levels, wide selection of drinks, charcuterie and cheeseboards - and its outside terrace.

"We are calling our new extension 'Next Door' because that's what we've been calling it for over two years," said Tina.

"We thought we’d be in two Christmases ago but we're finally on our way."

'Next Door' will be accessible through the lower level of the current premises, will be all on one level, and will double the size of 19 The Wine Bar.

"It was a bar previously, as Mike Pennington, the previous owner, extended what was Burgundy's, and he kept the bar area and called it the Brewhouse," said Tina.

"It will be available for hire, for birthday parties, wedding parties, and functions.

"What was the brewing area is a smaller room that will also be used for meetings and wine tastings, for example.

"Karl, our general manager, is training to be a sommelier, and we’re upping the ante with the wines.

"We'll be installing an Enomatic machine to preserve higher-end wines after they’ve been opened.

"That means we can open some more expensive bottles of wine, that we wouldn’t have been able to serve previously.”

READ MORE: Plans revealed for new wine bar that will 'revitalise the heart of Kendal'

Tina said that she is excited by what she sees happening in Kendal and wants to work with other businesses to help the town flourish.

"I'm very much about community", she said.

"My vision for the bar was always about Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

"I'm also a member of Kendal BID, Kendal Futures, and Bar Watch, so I'm really passionate about giving back to Kendal and improving Kendal as a town.

"I've lived here 25 years, and I love Kendal, and want to see it flourish.

"It's great to see there'll be another wine bar opening in the town soon too.

"The more nice places there are to go, the more reasons for people to come to Kendal."