John Smith's GBPA Best Sport pub finalists profiled
Barratts Club, Northampton
This pub caters to sports fans both on and off the screen, claiming to have the best provision of indoor sport in Northamptonshire. Sports on offer include pool, shuffleboard, darts, snooker, ping pong, beer and golf pong.
The recent introduction of a customer loyalty card linked to the pub’s tills, offering 5% cashback on all purchases and key match-day offers, has proved a hit with regulars. Thirty eight screens in the bar mean whatever the live sport event, customers can grab a drink and watch it at this local.
This includes matching the rising popularity of less mainstream sports like Polish football and women’s games.
Elevens Bar & Grill, Cardiff
Only trading for 13 months, operators of this Cardiff outlet transformed a dilapidated Irish pub into a premium sports bar with state-of-the-art screening technology.
Partnering with Gareth Bale means the pub has access to and displays exclusive signed memorabilia – from Muhammad Ali’s glove to Tiger Wood’s cap and an American football signed by Peyton Manning. Bale’s personal Champions League trophy is even on display at the pub. Re-developing the food offer has given customers more choice in the day, which was popular in the World Cup weeks for afternoon games.
Famous Three Kings, Fulham, London
Always trying to stay ahead of the curve, this pub has not been complacent after its win in this category two years ago. The Fulham pub aims to give customers a great atmosphere and sporting experience while also “promoting friendships, friendly rivalries and community”.
The pub is making headway in tapping into student and business communities, approaching sports groups to make use of the pub as a venue and a post-match destination. Spotting a niche in the market, the pub is also developing its provision of e-sport screenings, where online games like World of Warcraft are broadcast.
Greenwood, Westminster, London
Situated near Victoria station, this pub pulls out all the stops. For this year’s Superbowl the pub even hired cheerleaders to do a live performance and half-time show to add to the atmosphere for customers.
Part of the offer is comfort, with an interior designed specifically to avoid customers being crammed together or straining to see a screen on the big match day. The pub is one of the few to have a video wall television. Tailored promotions for specific sports and games mean customers can get great deals on drink and food offers.
The Gardeners Arms/Murderers, Norwich, Norfolk
This pub has taken advantage of its Norwich city centre location by ensuring nobody need miss a sporting event.
Paintings of players and blaring sport anthems adds to the atmosphere of big games. Installing TVs near the toilet queue area for customers who don’t want to miss any of the match, increases bar sales during half time.
Sport has been shown for more than 25 years at this pub, which now has high-tech screens so four different events can be watched at the same time.
The Lion Treorchy, South Wales
This pub has successfully integrated a family fun element into its sports offering. Table bookings fill up fast for Six Nations games, with families enjoying food before the games.
The pub is so dedicated it even screens sporting events outside the usual opening hours, including 6am rugby World Cup games and 8am British Lions games. The aim on match days is nothing short of a stadium experience in a local town.
Marketing through Facebook has proved a hit, helping a turnout of around 300 people to watch one Anthony Joshua fight.
This year’s awards ceremony takes place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 6 September.
To book your tickets, contact Stevie Robinson on 01293 846508, or email her at fgrivr.ebovafba@jeoz.pbz .
