News & Updates

Introducing Grandstand – Marston’s exciting new pub format, bringing the big event atmosphere to your local

Marston’s launches its innovative new Locals Sport pub format at The Gospel Oak, Tipton, with big screens, market-leading event technology and special offers to delight local guests and sports fans.

In line with its strategy to create differentiated pub formats that appeal across a range of consumer segments, Marston’s has opened its first Grandstand Locals Sport pub at The Gospel Oak, in Tipton in the West Midlands, at an exclusive launch event hosted by football legend John Barnes.

Bringing the unrivalled atmosphere of a stadium match or event, and the next best thing to actually being there, the innovative new pub format delivers market-leading technology including new 3-metre-long, and 1.8-metre-tall screens, state-of-the-art sound systems and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a good view. Meanwhile outdoor bars with big screens and the all-new Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app allow customers to order from their tables, ensuring they never missing a minute of the action.

With The Gospel Oak being the first in a series of Marston’s Grandstand pubs launching this year, the refurbished pubs will all be decorated with local sports memorabilia, celebrating the achievements of local sports stars and teams, while an exclusive ‘Black Card’ will also be available for selected local sports teams, securing them endless chips when they visit for team drinks.

Although football-focused, the pubs will show all key sporting fixtures, including rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts and horse racing. Regulation dart boards and pool tables also provide entertainment well after the final whistle, with new competition leagues, and ‘free to play’ recreational sessions mid-week.

Alongside the renovations and new entertainment, a new range of bar food is being introduced, perfect for half-time and larger groups. The new ‘Match Day’ food will feature hand-held classics including Pukka pies, sausage rolls and pasties alongside a full menu of all-time favourite pub classics, including Fish & Chips, Burgers and super Sunday Roasts. Plus, all draught beer will be available in 2-pint cups and punters can enjoy 10% off pre-match pints, for 1 hour before kick-off.

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 market insight 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.”

For more information on Grandstand, visit: www.gospeloakpub.co.uk