Preston's Guild Merchant pub closes for £270,000 sports bar refurbishment

A Preston pub has closed for a major refurbishment which will see it reopen at the end of the month as a sports pub.

The Guild Merchant closed its doors yesterday for work before reopening as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub on November 25, at the cost of £270,000.

The community pub, on Tag Lane, 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, including multiple massive screens, an immersive state-of-the-art sound system, and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a great view of the action.

The beer garden will also be refurbished, with new TV screens installed, and locals will be able to order through the Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app to ensure they never miss a minute of the action.

The Guild Merchant will also be decorated with local sports memorabilia and is calling on the community to share photographs and items to help celebrate the achievements of local sports stars and teams, past and present.

Marston’s Operations Manager, Sacha Camilleri, 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 Guild Merchant”

Once reopened, the pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing, and more. Regulation dartboards and pool tables will return alongside new competition leagues and free-to-play recreational sessions.

A new range of bar food will be introduced for half-time and larger groups. The ‘Match Day Menu’ will feature hand-held bites such as chicken wings and nachos, and pub favourites such as fish & chips, grills, and burgers. The Guild Merchant has also refreshed its range of drinks, with all draught beers available in 2-pint cups.

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 has selected the Guild Merchant for the Grandstand transformation due to its strong involvement with local sports teams, community groups and charities. The refurbishment will create an exciting new proposition for sports fans from Preston and beyond.