The Arrow, a beloved pub in Yeovil’s Brympton area, has officially reopened after an extensive £480,000 refurbishment. Located on The Toose, the pub resumed trading on February 18 in a relaunch event attended by Yeovil’s mayor, Councillor Tony Lock, and locally elected MP Adam Dance.
Owned by Marstons, The Arrow has been transformed into the company’s ‘Grandstand’ format, featuring state-of-the-art TV screens, revamped menus, and a fully refitted kitchen designed to enhance the customer experience and showcase top-quality sports entertainment.
Following the refurbishment, Somerset Council approved key adjustments to the pub’s alcohol licence. Notably, The Arrow can now remain open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. In line with licensing regulations, patrons under 16 must leave the premises by 10pm every night.
READ MORE: How North Somerset Balances Major Regeneration Projects Amid Financial Struggles
READ MORE: Yeovil Town Clinch Stoppage-Time Victory, Relegating Truro City
The previous licence condition requiring table service during televised sporting events has been lifted. The pub is now permitted to host indoor sporting events daily from 9am until midnight, with extended hours until 1am on weekends. However, plans to install an outdoor bar were withdrawn after concerns it could exacerbate noise and congestion, especially given Yeovil Town FC’s nearby Huish Park stadium.
Marstons faced initial objections from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the council’s environmental health team, but these were withdrawn following the outdoor bar concession. The licensing sub-committee reviewed the application virtually on March 24 and subsequently granted the licence amendments.
Michelle Hazlewood, solicitor for Marstons, highlighted the company’s renewed commitment to investing in community-focused pubs. She explained that The Arrow’s refurbishment aims to preserve its family-friendly atmosphere while enhancing its sports viewing facilities. The venue has already experienced a significant increase in food sales, now making up 34% of revenue compared to 25% before the renovation.
“The Arrow is not intended to be solely a sports bar nor a male-dominated venue,” Hazlewood emphasized. “Our vision is to offer a welcoming, family-oriented environment with high-quality sports entertainment.”
Council Chair Simon Carswell expressed support for the application, wishing the operators success as The Arrow embarks on its next chapter ahead of major sporting events like the 2028 European Championships.