It has been a week since the majority of restrictions on social contact were lifted in the UK, which has been a well anticipated time for the entertainment industry.

After a year of group bubbles, limited capacity and restrictions on live events, entertainment venues have been granted more freedom following a year of hardship.

For this entertainment venue, they were able to defy the odds and launch a successful business during lockdown.

The Sound Lounge opened a new venue in Sutton during December 2020, and have a pop-up venue in Morden.

Founders Hannah, of Sidcup, and Keiron, of Mitcham, were forced to put arts and culture to a halt after the government announced the third lockdown.

After many ups and downs, the couple still found ways to serve the community and became a listening ear to those whose lives were turned upside down due to Covid-19.

And being one of only 16 venues in the country to be able to put on a music event, The Sound Lounge soon adapted to the pandemic.

From restricted events to providing free pizza to vulnerable youth, the grassroots music venue became a community hub for the people of Sutton and beyond.

In this interview, Hannah and Keiron told us how their dream first came about and their growth following their first launch in Merton Abbey Mills, followed by Tooting.

On Tuesday (July 27), we visited the popular venue, which not only provides live music but is also home to a community garden, a bar and a record store.

Hannah and Keiron speak on their strong ethos to protect the environment and their pride in being the UK's first grassroots music venue to become carbon neutral.

The independent business has gained a large recognition and following across the world, but it all started with a dream from two people who grew up on a south London housing estates.

Here they tell us why it is so important for them to give back to the community and how quitting because of Covid-19 was not an option.

"I was brought up around crime and drugs and violence and Kieron was brought up in Mitcham and it was the same thing," said Hannah.

"Music for us has been a way to be positive and constructive.

"It was never about trying to see if we could make some money, we wouldn't be putting ourselves through this."

Keiron commented: "From our own backgrounds people have given us a chance and gave us an opportunity.

"I think this place is trying to give other people an opportunity.

"To perform, to grow... anything."

To watch the full interview visit - see the two-part video above.