Inside Marston's community pub in Birmingham after £300,000 'grandstand' refurbishment

A Birmingham community pub has reopened as a sports-inspired pub following a major refurbishment.

The Bulls Head in Kings Norton reopened on October 21 as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub, following an investment of £300,000 by owners Marston’s.

The refurbishment included the installation of market-leading technology, including multiple screens, a state-of-the-art sound system, and flexible tiered seating.

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

The Bulls Head has also been decorated with local sports memorabilia and 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.

Loyal customers Malcom Hoare and John Egan were welcomed as Community Heroes to pull the first pint and officially mark the pub’s opening, having been part of the Bulls Head for more than 50 years.

The pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing and other sports, while regulation dart boards and pool tables will provide entertainment, with new competition leagues and ‘free to play’ recreational sessions taking place throughout the week.

The new menu features light bites such as chicken wings and nachos, and pub favourites such as fish & chips, grills, and burgers, and has also refreshed its drink range, with all draught beer available in 2-pint cups.

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 even more rewards if they win their game.

Marston’s said the new Grandstand concept has 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.

The pub company said it had picked the Bulls Head as one of the pubs to receive the Grandstand makeover due to its involvement with local sports teams, community groups, and charities.

Marston’s Operations Manager, Adrian Grant, said: “We’re delighted to welcome customers back to the new and improved Bulls Head.

“We’ve introduced some amazing new technology, food and drink offers, and events, and we’re keen to feature as many local people on our walls as possible.

“We can’t wait to welcome back our regulars and meet some new faces.”