The Blackpole Inn has undergone an exciting refurbishment, reopening as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub, following an investment of over £349,200.
The much-loved community pub has been transformed with new features, including the very best technology to guarantee each visit rivals a stadium experience. The team at The Blackpole Inn were proud to welcome back former team member Zoe Kavanagh-Surridge for this special occasion. A much-loved colleague and friend to many customers, Zoe worked at the pub for many years as a cleaner and bar staff member.
After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in February 2025, the community rallied around her, with the pub hosting fundraising events last March that raised more than £5,000 for Zoe and her family. Now a wheelchair user, Zoe had the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark the pub’s opening, while her daughter, Sophie Degaris, who also previously worked at the pub, proudly poured the first pint in her mum’s honour. The refurbishment will include the installation of market-leading technology, such as a new 3m x 1.68m screen, state-of-the-art sound systems, and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a great view of the action.
An outdoor area with TV screens has been added, and the all-new Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app will now allow locals to order from their tables, never missing a minute of the action. The Blackpole Inn has been decorated with local sports memorabilia. It 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.
The pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing, you name it, they will show it! Regulation dart boards and pub games will provide entertainment well 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 been introduced, perfect for half-time and for sharing. The ‘Match Day Menu’ will feature hand-held bites, such as chicken wings and nachos, sitting alongside pub favourites such as fish and chips and burgers.
The Blackpole Inn has also refreshed its range of drinks, and all draught beer is 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 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 that 8.5M consumers have watched sports games at the pub, and 86% 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.
Marston’s picked The Blackpole Inn as one of the pubs to receive the Grandstand makeover due to its involvement with local sports teams, community groups and charities. The refurbishment has created a new and exciting proposition for local sports fans from Worcester and beyond. Pub Partners, Zoe Holmes and Lee Coopey 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.” The Blackpole Inn reopened on 4th March.
*Source: CGA Value of Live Sports in Pubs and Bars 2023, HDI Trade zone Data.
