Inside the New Foley Arms: £270,000 Makeover Brings Big-Match Atmosphere to Sutton Coldfield

The Foley Arms has reopened following a £270,000 refurbishment, bringing a new sports-focused experience to Sutton Coldfield, complete with giant screens, upgraded sound, refreshed food and drink menus, and a celebration of local sporting achievements.

The popular pub reopened on Tuesday 28 October 2026 as one of Marston’s new Grandstand sports pubs, a concept designed to bring the excitement and atmosphere of major sporting occasions into the local pub.

A Grandstand Experience

The transformation includes multiple large television screens, a state-of-the-art sound system and flexible tiered seating, designed to give customers excellent views of the sporting action.

The beer garden has also received a makeover, with additional screens allowing visitors to enjoy live sport outdoors.

Customers can order food and drinks through Marston’s Order & Pay app, meaning they won’t have to miss a crucial goal, try or winning moment.

From Premier League football and international rugby to Formula 1, cricket, tennis, darts and horse racing, the Foley Arms plans to screen a wide range of major sporting fixtures.

For those who prefer to take part rather than watch, the pub also offers regulation dartboards and pool tables, with competition leagues and free-to-play sessions planned throughout the week.

Celebrating Sutton Coldfield’s Sporting Heritage

One particularly interesting feature of the refurbishment is the pub’s commitment to celebrating local sporting achievements.

The Foley Arms is inviting local sports clubs, teams and individuals to contribute photographs and memorabilia that could be displayed on its walls.

It’s an opportunity to recognise Sutton Coldfield’s sporting heritage, from grassroots clubs and community teams to the achievements of local sporting personalities.

Local teams can also enquire about the pub’s new Black Card, offering bottomless fries during team visits and additional rewards following a win.

A Fresh Food and Drink Offering

The refurbishment brings an updated menu featuring traditional pub favourites alongside lighter bites suitable for sharing while watching the action.

Customers can choose from dishes including chicken wings, nachos, fish and chips, burgers and grills.

The drinks range has also been refreshed, with draught beers available in two-pint cups.

A Community Celebration

The reopening was officially marked by Councillor Alan Fleming, Mayor of Walsall, who pulled the first pint as the pub’s Community Hero.

Having grown up in Streetly, Councillor Fleming has longstanding connections with the local area.

Marston’s selected the Foley Arms for its Grandstand transformation in recognition of its links with local sports teams, community organisations and charities.

Shaun Hayes, Marston’s Operations Manager, said:

“We’re so excited to show off the new and improved pub!”

He added that the new technology, food and drink offers and events would help create a big-event atmosphere for customers.

More Than Just Match Day

While live sport is central to the new Grandstand concept, the Foley Arms is also positioning itself as a place for friends, families, local clubs and community groups to meet and socialise.

With its refurbished surroundings, new facilities and continuing community connections, the pub hopes to welcome both regular customers and new visitors.

The Foley Arms reopened on 28 October 2026.

For further information, upcoming sporting fixtures or table bookings, visit:

https://www.foleyarmspub.co.uk/

Are you involved with a local sports club? Why not get in touch with the Foley Arms about contributing photographs or memorabilia to help celebrate Sutton Coldfield’s sporting history?

“Images courtesy of Marston’s / The Foley Arms”

Lichfield Karting Star Finlay Lines Secures International Success in Belgium

A talented young racing driver from Lichfield is celebrating a remarkable achievement after finishing runner-up in the 2026 BNL Karting Series.

Finlay Lines completed his championship campaign in style at Karting Genk in Belgium, taking overall victory during the final weekend and securing second place in the championship standings.

The result means the young driver finishes the season as BNL Junior Max vice-champion.

A successful end to the championship

Finlay arrived at the final round holding second place in the Junior Max standings, with the championship still to be decided.

Facing competition from international drivers, he produced an impressive performance to secure the overall weekend victory.

Although the championship title remained out of reach, finishing as vice-champion represents a significant achievement in a competitive international series.

The result is also an important milestone in his developing motorsport career.

Representing Team UK in Portugal

Finlay’s performance has earned him a place at the 2026 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portimão, Portugal.

He will represent Team UK at the international event in November, competing against talented karting drivers from around the world.

The opportunity represents another important step for the Lichfield racer, whose achievements are attracting attention beyond the local motorsport scene.

A proud achievement for Lichfield

Karting provides an important pathway into competitive motorsport, requiring considerable skill, determination and commitment.

Finlay’s latest success demonstrates the opportunities available to talented young drivers willing to compete at an international level.

With a championship runner-up finish secured and another major competition approaching, the young Lichfield driver has plenty to look forward to.

His next challenge will be representing Team UK in Portugal as he continues his motorsport journey.

Tamworth’s FA Cup Run Ends at Carlisle

Tamworth FC Exit FA Cup Following Narrow Defeat at Carlisle United

Tamworth FC’s hopes of progressing in this season’s FA Cup came to an end on Saturday 17 October 2026 following a 2–1 defeat away to Carlisle United.

The Lambs travelled to Brunton Park for their fourth qualifying round encounter but found themselves facing an uphill battle after conceding twice during the first half.

Difficult opening period

Carlisle made an early breakthrough when Regan Linney scored in the sixth minute.

The home side doubled their advantage shortly before half-time, with Linney finding the net again.

Tamworth therefore went into the interval trailing 2–0.

Second-half response

The visitors responded quickly after the restart.

R. Calder scored in the 48th minute to reduce the deficit and give Tamworth renewed hope of a comeback.

However, despite their efforts, the Lambs were unable to find an equaliser.

Carlisle held on to secure a 2–1 victory and progress to the next round of the competition.

Focus returns to the league

The result brings Tamworth’s FA Cup campaign to an end for another season.

Attention now returns to the club’s National League programme as the team looks to improve its position in the competition.

The Lambs are scheduled to travel to Gateshead on Friday 23 October before returning to The Lamb Ground for a home fixture against Scunthorpe United on Tuesday 27 October.

Supporters can follow club announcements for further match information.

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