It will be one of the first ‘Grandstand’ style pubs in the city
Inside the new-look Old Plough pub in Kingswood(Image: Marstons)
A popular pub in Kingswood is to undergoing a massive £280,000 transformation over the next three weeks, to turn it into one of East Bristol’s major sports pubs.
The Old Plough, next to the Tesco off Westons Way, is keeping its name, but will become one of brewery chain Marston’s ‘Grandstand’ pubs, with multiple massive screens and tiered seating, to put TV sport front and centre.
Marston’s says pub-goers can ‘expect an electric matchday atmosphere’ when the pub relaunches on October 21.
Marston’s have put in a request to South Gloucestershire Council to amend their licence, to take in the seating areas around the place, and make the pub more open plan.
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Food will also be at the heart of the relaunched pub, a spokesperson for Marstons said, with the emphasis on filling the bellies of those watching the wall-to-wall sport action, and the ‘Grandstand’ brand also includes the opportunity for local sports teams to partner up with the pub too.
“This transformation represents a significant investment of £280,000,” said a Marston’s spokesperson. “The much-loved community pub will be transformed with new features designed to deliver a stadium-style experience on every visit.
“The refurbishment will include the installation of market-leading technology, including multiple massive screens, an immersive state-of-the-art sound system, and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a great view of the action.
“The beer garden will also be refurbished, with new TV screens installed, and locals will be able to order through the Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app to ensure they never miss a minute of the action,” she added.
“The Old Plough 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,” she said.
“Once reopened, the pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing, and more. Regulation dartboards and pool tables will return alongside new competition leagues and free-to-play recreational sessions.
“A new range of bar food will be introduced, perfect for half-time and larger groups. The ‘Match Day Menu’ will feature hand-held bites such as chicken wings, nachos and burgers. The Old Plough has also refreshed its range of drinks, with all draught beers available in 2-pint cups,” she said.
“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.
“The Grandstand concept follows industry research revealing that 8.5 million consumers have watched live sport in pubs, with 86% of fans preferring sports pubs for their atmosphere, better screens and sound, and the chance to connect with friends and family,” she said.
“We selected the Old Plough for the Grandstand transformation due to its strong involvement with local sports teams, community groups and charities. The refurbishment will create an exciting new proposition for sports fans from Bristol and beyond,” she added.
Pub partner George Hoarse said the pub will reopen on October 21
“We are so excited about the plans to re-open as a Grandstand pub,” he said. “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,” he added.
