The Tollgate pub in Old Trafford has reopened following a six-figure renovation that has transformed it into a 'match day' sports venue. The pub, opposite the Trafford Bar Metrolink station, has undergone a £400,000 revamp under the Marston's Grandstand format, which aims to replicate the match day atmosphere with state-of-the-art technology.
New features and technology
The pub, which closed for nearly a month, now features multiple HD screens throughout, a main giant screen, a top-level sound system, and flexible tiered seating designed to give each customer the best view of the screen. The outdoor space has also been upgraded with new TV screens and a giant 'TV box' that gives fans a flavour of what's inside. A special hand-painted mural by local artist Pic One aims to reflect the city's vibrant culture.
Local sports memorabilia and community ties
The Tollgate has been decked out with local sports memorabilia to reflect its positioning near Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. It is also on the hunt for more photographs and merchandise to fill the walls over time. The pub is popular with United fans due to being opposite the Trafford Bar tram stop, just ten minutes from the stadium.
To mark the grand opening, local Manchester United personality Ying-Hoi Soon, known to fans as Mr Miyagi, was chosen as the pub's Community Hero and was given the honour of pulling the first pint. He is set to continue working with the pub on his ongoing charity work.
Sports fixtures, food, and drink
The Tollgate will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, and horse racing. It also features regulation dart boards and pool tables. The food menu includes light bites such as chicken wings, nachos, and burgers, and the drinks range has been refreshed with all draught beer available in two-pint cups. The pub incorporates Marston's 'Order and Pay' technology, allowing fans to order from their table.
Local sports teams will be invited to get a special Black Card at the pub, which will secure them bottomless fries when they visit for team drinks and additional rewards if they win their game.
Grandstand concept and community response
Marston's Grandstand concept was created after research found that 86% of sports fans preferred to watch live sports at sports pubs due to their atmosphere and better screens and sounds. The pub operator said the Tollgate was chosen to adopt the concept due to its pre-existing involvement with local sports teams, community groups, and charities.
“We've loved welcoming the community back with open arms,” Michael McLoughlin, pub partner, said. “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 Tollgate is on Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0LN.
