Shrewsbury pub closed after fire reopens

A Shrewsbury pub struck by fire over the summer has reopened following a £275,000 refurbishment.

The Beeches in Bayston Hill has been closed since the first week of August after a fire broke out in the roof space and a fundraiser set up for the team later raised thousands.

It has now relaunched following a fitout with a focus on live sport as part of the 'Grandstand' concept by the pub's owner Marston's.

The refurbishment has included the installation of several big-screen TVs, a new sound system and flexible tiered seating aimed at improving the view of the action for customers.

The beer garden has also been refurbished, with new TV screens added and customers will be able to order through the Marston's 'Order & Pay' app.

The pub, in Lythwood Road, will show a broad range of sporting fixtures and new competition leagues will be held on the pub's dart boards and pool tables.

A new menu features light bites such as chicken wings, nachos and burgers while the drinks range has been refreshed and draught beer is available in two-pint cups.

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The Beeches has also been decorated with local sports memorabilia.

It is on the hunt for photographs and merchandise, giving pub-goers the chance to fill the walls and celebrate the achievements of local sports stars and teams, past and present.

There will also be the chance for local sports teams to get their hands on a 'Black Card', securing them bottomless fries when they visit for team drinks and rewards if they win their game.

The Beeches invited Teri Trickett, a councillor for the Bayston Hill ward with Shropshire Council, to pull the first pint and officially mark the pub's opening.

The Beeches is the latest Marston's pub to be converted to a 'Grandstand' venue, following similar projects at The Barley Mow in Madeley and The Inn on the Green in Shrewsbury which is due to reopen later this month.

Marston's said the new Grandstand concept had been introduced after industry research revealed that 8.5 million consumers have watched sports games at the pub and 86 per cent of sports fans say that they watch games at sports pubs due to a livelier atmosphere, better screens, sound and connecting with friends and family.

Marston's operations manager Peter Davies said: "We are so excited about the plans to re-open as a Grandstand pub.

"We know our locals are sporting mad and can't wait to be able to offer them the best possible experience when they can visit us again.”