Marston’s introduces new sports pub concept

Marston’s has introduced a new local sports pub concept, Grandstand, with the first venue opened during Easter weekend. 

The operator will be refurbishing selected existing pubs which are involved in local sports and charities. The first pub is The Gospel Oak in Tipton in the West Midlands, which opened on 19 April.

The selected pubs will have new 3-metre-long, and 1.8-metre-tall screens, state-of-the-art sound systems, and flexible tiered seating. Outdoor bars with screens will also be installed and the all-new Marston’s Order and Pay app will allow customers to order from their tables. 

The pubs will be decorated with local sports memorabilia such as photographs and merchandise celebrating the achievements of local sports stars and teams, past and present, to fill the walls. An exclusive Black Card will also be available for selected local sports teams, securing them endless chips when they visit for team drinks.

While the pubs have a strong focus on football, they’ll also be screening a wide range of major sporting events, including rugby, cricket, tennis, Formula 1, darts, and horse racing. 

Facilities such as dart boards and pool tables will be available for use beyond match times, with informal mid-week sessions and opportunities to take part in local leagues. The weekly schedule also includes live music on Friday and Saturday nights, regular quizzes, and a monthly rock-and-roll bingo night, offering a variety of activities throughout the week.

Alongside the renovations and new entertainment, a new range of bar food will be introduced, featuring Pukka pies, sausage rolls and pasties alongside a full menu of pub classics, including fish and chips, burgers and Sunday roasts.

Ed Hancock, chief development officer at Marston’s, said: “The chosen pubs are in the heart of their local communities, a value which is really important to us at Marston’s. We’re so excited to bring state-of-the-art technology and the best sporting experiences to local pubs, as part of this pilot phase.

“We’ve really taken the market intelligence on board and have worked extremely hard on creating an unmissable atmosphere, as well as match-day ready food and drink menus. We can’t wait to welcome the local communities to their new and improved pubs.”