The Keeper’s Lodge in Leicester reopened on 4 February after undergoing a refurbishment costing more than £332,800.
The pub is the latest local Marston’s venue to relaunch under the company’s new “Grandstand” sports-focused format.
The refurbishment includes the installation of large-format screens measuring three metres by 1.8 metres, upgraded sound systems and tiered seating designed to improve viewing for sporting events. Outdoor bar areas with additional screens have also been added. Customers can use the Marston’s Order & Pay app to place orders from their tables.
Picture credit: Keeper’s Lodge
The pub has been redecorated with sports memorabilia linked to Leicester and the surrounding area. Management has invited customers to contribute photographs and items celebrating local sports teams and athletes.
Keeper’s Lodge will screen a range of sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, Formula 1, darts and horse racing. The venue also offers dart boards and pool tables, with leagues and recreational sessions scheduled during the week.
A revised food menu has been introduced, featuring items such as chicken wings, nachos, fish and chips and burgers. Draught beers are available in two-pint cups. The pub is also offering a “Black Card” scheme for local sports teams, which provides promotional incentives for group visits.
Picture credit: Keeper’s Lodge
The reopening event was attended by members of the local community, including Katherine Wray, who works at a local food bank, and John Ghents, a Leicester-based social media content creator known for producing videos about the city’s history and development. The pub has previously collaborated with Wray on community initiatives and plans to continue joint projects.
Marston’s said the Grandstand concept was developed following industry research indicating that 8.5 million consumers have watched sports in pubs, with many citing atmosphere, screen quality and social interaction as key reasons.
According to Marston’s, Keeper’s Lodge was selected for the refurbishment due to its links with local sports teams, community groups and charities.
General Manager Sabrina Fitzgerald said the response from customers since reopening had been positive.
