Telford pub to undergo £275,000 facelift
Marston's is carrying out the refit under its new 'Grandstand' initiative which will give the venue a greater focus on live and community sport
A Telford pub is undergoing a £275,000 refurbishment to create a new look with live sport at its heart.
The Barley Mow in Madeley is the latest venue owned and run by Wolverhampton-based operator Marston's to be transformed under its new 'Grandstand' initiative.
The company said the community pub, which has closed and will reopen on October 21, would be transformed with new features designed to deliver what it called "a stadium-style experience".
The refurbishment will include the installation of multiple large TV screens, a new state-of-the-art sound system and flexible, tiered seating aimed at offering better views of the sporting action.
It will show a broad range of sports including football, rugby, cricket, F1 and tennis and will have classic pub games like darts, regular entertainment and events.
A new range of bar food will be introduced which Marston's said would be perfect for half-time and larger groups including a new 'Match Day Menu' with small bites such as chicken wings, nachos and burgers while all draught beers will be available in two-pint cups.
Local sports teams will be able to apply for a 'Black Card', giving them access to exclusive offers, endless fries on team nights and rewards for celebrating wins at their local.
Marston's said the Grandstand concept followed industry research revealing that 8.5 million consumers have watched live sport in pubs, with 86 per cent of fans preferring sports pubs for their atmosphere, better screens and sound.
The Barley Mow, in Court Street, will also be decorated with local sports memorabilia and is calling on the community to share photographs and items to help celebrate the achievements of local sports stars and teams, past and present.
Pub partner Jake Haynes said: "We will have some amazing new technology, food and drink offers and events and we want as many local people to be featured on our walls as possible.
"We can't wait to welcome all our regulars and some new faces in to see the new and improved Barley Mow."
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