'We’ve loved welcoming the community back' - pub reopens as new Grandstand venue after £271,000 investment

A popular Kingstanding pub has been given a new lease of life as a Grandstand sports venue after a £271,700 investment.

The Golden Hind has been transformed with new features, including top technology to guarantee each visit rivals a stadium experience.

Community heroes Shaz Phillips and Mark Smith were invited to pull the first pint when the pub reopened its doors on March 25.

Shaz, who lost her son Curtis, aged 29, in a tragic accident last year, has been a long-time supporter of the pub; and Mark is chair of the trustees for the charity Cancer Not Today - established in memory of his partner Kathy Wagstaff-Smith, a former member of the Golden Hind team who died in October 2024 after a battle with cancer.

The refurbishment has seen the pub kitted out with new giant TV screens, state-of-the-art sound systems and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a good view of the action.

The outdoor area has also been refurbished with TV screens added and the pub now operates the new Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app allowing locals to order from their tables so they don’t have to miss any of the action.

Sports memorabilia has also been added and pub business Marston’s has put out a plea for more to celebrate the achievements of local sports stars and teams, past and present.

The pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing and more.

It also has regulation dart boards and pool tables to provide entertainment after the final whistle, with new competition leagues and free-to-play recreational sessions taking place throughout the week.

A new range of bar food has also been introduced and the drinks range has been refreshed, with all draught beer available in two-pint cups.

Local sports teams also have chance to get their hands on a ‘black card’, securing them endless chips when they visit for team drinks, and even more rewards if they win their game.

The new Grandstand concept has been introduced after industry research revealed 8.5 million consumers have watched sports games at the pub, and 86 per cent of sports fans have said they watch games at sports pubs due to a livelier atmosphere, better screens, sound and being able to connect with friends and family.

Marston’s picked The Golden Hind as one of the pubs to receive the Grandstand makeover due to its involvement with local sports teams, community groups and charities.

Pub partners Robert Jones and Sam Schofield said: “We’ve loved welcoming the community back with open arms.

“The response has been fantastic to our food and drink offers, as well as the new technology to watch all kinds of sports - we’re thankful that our pub is always full of good vibes, and real community spirit.”