Marston’s to roll out local sports pub concept

Nationwide pub operator Marston’s has revealed plans to diversify its estate with the launch of a local sports pub concept.

The first of these Grandstand pubs opened this weekend at the Gospel Oak in Tipton, West Midlands.

Marston’s will be converting pubs in its existing portfolio known for their involvement in local sports and charities.

Under the new branding, these outlets will feature 3m-long, 1.8m-tall screens, quality sound systems and flexible tiered seating to guarantee good views of the action.

Outdoor bars with screens will also be installed, while local sports memorabilia will be used to adorn the walls. Selected local sports teams will be given a ‘Black Card’, which will allow them to order unlimited chips when they attend for team drinks.

The pubs are due to showcase all sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, Formula 1, darts and horse racing. Pub-goers will also be able to play darts and pool recreationally, as well as making the most of the usual offer of live music shows and quizzes.

Alongside the renovations, Marston’s sports pubs will offer a new ‘Match Day’ food menu, complete with Pukka pies, sausage rolls and pasties, as well as drinks offers, such as 10% off pre-match pints.

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.”

The launch of Marston’s sports pubs comes after MEATliquor founder Scott Collins opened his first BLOODsports bar in London’s Covent Garden.

Marston’s has an estate of over 1,300 pubs across the UK.