The Arrow, a beloved pub in Yeovil’s Brympton area, has successfully secured a new alcohol licence following an extensive £480,000 refurbishment. The revamped venue reopened to the public on February 18, marked by a ceremony featuring Yeovil’s Mayor Councillor Tony Lock and local MP Adam Dance.
Owned by Marstons, The Arrow has been transformed into the company’s ‘Grandstand’ format, featuring new TV screens, updated menus, and a fully refitted kitchen. These improvements aim to elevate the pub’s appeal ahead of the 2028 European Championships, building on the vibrant sporting atmosphere it already offers.
Somerset Council recently granted approval for several significant licence modifications. Among these, the pub will now be permitted to remain open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, while ensuring patrons under 16 leave by 10pm each day. The previous requirement for table service during televised sports has been removed, allowing the hosting of indoor sporting events daily from 9am to midnight, with later finishes on weekends.
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Marstons initially proposed adding an outdoor bar to manage busy match days, especially considering the pub’s proximity to Yeovil Town FC’s Huish Park ground. However, the plan was withdrawn following concerns from Avon and Somerset Constabulary, the council’s environmental health team, and local representatives about potential noise and increased pressure on the area.
Michelle Hazlewood, Marstons’ solicitor, shared at the council hearing that the company has reinvested heavily in revitalizing community pubs with this ‘Grandstand’ concept, which nostalgically references a popular TV programme from the late 20th century. The significant investment focused on top-tier sports broadcasting technology and a comprehensive kitchen overhaul.
Since reopening, The Arrow has experienced a notable increase in food sales, which now account for 34% of all revenue, up from 25% before refurbishment. Hazlewood emphasized that the pub aims to be a family-friendly establishment rather than a sports-centric bar dominated by wet sales or male clientele.
After a brief confidential discussion, the licensing sub-committee voted to approve all the proposed changes. Licensing chair Councillor Simon Carswell closed the hearing by wishing Marstons success with the new venture.