News & Updates

Marston’s and the Royal British Legion Raise a Glass

Marston’s is proud to be supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year with the launch of a brand-new, limited-edition range of commemorative glassware - available to purchase in over 1,000 of our pubs across the UK.

Following the success of last year’s campaign, which raised more than £94,000 for the charity, we’re inviting guests to join us once again in raising a glass in support of the Armed Forces community.

This year’s exclusive pint (£3) and half-pint (£2.50) glasses feature a striking new design by Royal Marine veteran and artist Colin Waite. His artwork, inspired by his time serving in the Falklands, shows poppies blooming across the rugged island landscape - a powerful tribute to remembrance and resilience.

To mark the launch, Royal British Legion ambassador Ross Kemp joined Colin at The Oakingham Belle in Wokingham to see the glasses for the first time. They were joined by veterans Richard Bye (Licensed Retail Manager of The Roebuck, Market Harborough), Chris Taylor and his partner Moya (Licensees of The Volunteer Arms, Barton Upon Humber), as well as Paul Gill, a veteran and Marston’s Head of Estate Development. Together, they raised a glass to those who have served and continue to serve.

Ross Kemp shared his personal connection to the cause, saying:

“I’m immensely proud to support this year’s Raise a Glass campaign. It was an honour to be with Colin when he saw his designs on the glasses for the first time. My family has been supported by the Royal British Legion, and I know how much their work means to so many. Every glass sold helps ensure veterans, serving personnel and their families get the support they deserve.”

Jared Sedgwick, Director of Operations for the Midlands at Marston’s, added:

“We were blown away with the response to our commemorative poppy pint glasses last year and are so proud to be able to go even bigger with the campaign this year. Colin’s designs have made the glasses extra special, and we hope to raise even more money for the Poppy Appeal this year.

“It was fantastic to have our publicans Chris and Richard at the Oakingham Belle to help us launch this year’s campaign. Veterans up and down the country are now part of the Marston’s family, whether they’re pub operators, team members, or guests who visit one of the many veteran events that our pubs host.

“Our pubs have some wonderful celebrations planned for this year’s Remembrance Day and we’re hoping to inspire communities across the UK to come together in their local pubs, to raise a glass and make a real difference.”

The limited-edition glasses will be available from Sunday 2nd November to Tuesday 11th November 2025, with 100% of profits from the sales of the glassware going to the Royal British Legion.

To find your nearest participating pub and learn more, visit: www.marstonspubs.co.uk/raise-a-glass