Popular Black Country pub to close for four weeks - here's why
A popular Stourbridge pub is set for a new look and a new feel as it undergoes a six-figure refurbishment.
The Gigmill in Stourbridge closed its doors on Monday to begin a near-four week refurbishment before reopening as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub, with an investment of £361,700 going into the work.
The community pub, which is owned by Marston's, 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, such as a new 2.4-metre-long, 1.35-metre-tall screen, state-of-the-art sound systems, and flexible tiered seating, while a refurbished outdoor area with TV screens will also be added.
The Gigmill will also be decorated with local sports memorabilia and Marston's 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 Partners, Daniel and Rachel Doherty, 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 Gigmill.”
Once reopened, the pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing, and more, while regulation dart boards and pool tables will return, alongside new competition leagues and free-to-play recreational sessions.
A new range of bar food has been introduced, with the ‘Match Day Menu’ featuring hand-held bites, such as chicken wings and nachos, sitting alongside pub favourites such as fish and chips and burgers.
The Gigmill has also refreshed its range of drinks, and all draught beer is available in 2-pint cups, while local sports teams will be able to apply for a ‘Black Card’, giving them access to exclusive offers, endless chips on team nights, and rewards for celebrating wins at their local.
Marston's said the Grandstand concept follows industry research revealing that 8.5 million consumers have watched sports games at the pub, with 86 per cent of fans preferring sports pubs for their atmosphere, better screens and sound, and the chance to connect with friends and family.
The pub will reopen on April 1.
