A first look at the newly refurbished Sir John Cockle pub in Mansfield

The Sir John Cockle on Sutton Road, Mansfield, re-opened its doors with its chosen community hero group, John Eastwood Charity, and the charity will be working with the pub to raise money through various fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

New market-leading technology has been installed, including new 3-metre-long and 1.8-metre-tall screens, with state-of-the-art sound systems, and features flexible tiered seating, to guarantee a good view of the action.

Outdoor bars with screens have 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.

Sir John Cockle has been decorated with local sports memorabilia and is now 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 and regulation dart boards and pool tables 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 and 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 Poacher has also refreshed its range of drinks, and all draught beer is available in two-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 per cent 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 Sir John Cockle 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 Mansfield and beyond.

Steve Hancock, area manager, 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.”

For more information or to book a table, visit www.sirjohncocklemansfield.co.uk.