Sutton Coldfield Pub Temporarily Closes for Major Upgrades and Sports Installation
A recently opened pub in Sutton Coldfield has temporarily closed its doors for a series of days, but this is not due to any negative circumstances. Instead, the closure is part of a planned upgrade to transform the venue into a vibrant sports bar with enhanced amenities.
Recent Closures Explained
The Distillery, located on Birmingham Road in Sutton Coldfield, opened under its new name on February 20, replacing the former Slug and Lettuce. However, concerned residents noticed the pub was closed from Monday to Thursday last week (March 16 to 19) and again this week (March 23 to 26).
Paul Haywood, the new tenant of The Distillery, has clarified that these closures are intentional. He is overseeing significant renovations to install new equipment, including TVs for live sports, updated flooring, and leisure facilities. The goal is to revitalize the pub, which was previously busy only on weekends, by making it more appealing throughout the week.
Upcoming Changes and Features
Paul Haywood, a Black Country businessman with experience running seven other venues in the Midlands, has ambitious plans for The Distillery. The upgrades include:
- Installation of 11 big screens for sports viewing, including seven 55-inch TVs, one 65-inch TV, and three 32-inch screens in booths.
- New bar lineup featuring popular drinks like Carling and Coors to cater to football fans.
- Addition of arcade machines with games such as Street Fighter and Pacman, as well as a pool table at the back of the pub.
- Zoning of the pub into different areas: a coffee section at the front, a sports viewing area in the middle, and a leisure zone at the back.
These changes aim to create a family-friendly and everyman venue that offers affordable pricing, including deals like burgers and pints, discounts during football games, and promotions such as free pizza for groups of six.
Future Operations and Timeline
The pub reopened for bottomless brunches last weekend and is scheduled to open fully on Friday, March 27. It will remain open until all works are completed, expected by Good Friday, April 3. Paul Haywood emphasized that from Good Friday onward, customers will experience the "proper Distillery experience" with all new features in place.
He acknowledged that the initial weeks have been challenging but expressed confidence that the upgrades will attract more trade. The pub will also feature TNT Sports and terrestrial TV to broadcast events like the World Cup football in the summer.
By listening to customer feedback and implementing these changes, The Distillery aims to become a staple in the Sutton Coldfield community, offering a lively and affordable destination for drinks, food, and entertainment.
