Matches Sports Bar brings a new social experience to Ashford

Raise a glass as ‘Matches Sports Bar, Grill & Social’ is set to open in the heart of Ashford at the end of Spring, adding to the line up at Elwick Place, the 100,000 sq ft leisure and restaurant development, creating over ten jobs for the local community.

The ‘Matches’ concept is bringing something new to Ashford, taking inspiration from bars up and down the country from Leeds to London, ‘Matches’ is offering the ultimate Sports Bar experience in order to tempt people in for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. The focus is fully on the social side of going out, being the new place to go if you’re looking for a good time with family, mates or even on a date!

There is of course an abundance of Ultra-HD screens showing live sports from around the world, all day long. It won’t just be football, whatever sports you’re into, you’ll be sure to find them on screen. However, if sport isn’t your thing, there is so much more on offer…

Firstly there’s food, with an onsite Burger & Wing kitchen serving up the juiciest of burgers and stickiest of wings this side of the River Stour. The burgers are large and the triple-cooked fries are most certainly in charge. The wings come smothered in an array of tasty sauces and of course, all ingredients are proudly local. Vegetarian options will be available, as well as a tasty mix of sides and treats - did somebody say waffles!?

Then we have the drinks. Not only will there be a selection of craft beers available amongst other global brands, but cocktails on tap too! Plus, a first for Ashford, we will also have three self-pour beer booths, where you and your squad can sit back, relax and watch sport all day long without ever having to break conversation or go to the bar - we like to think of them as our own executive boxes!

We also have tonnes of entertainment including the customary pool table and darts board, but we’re mixing things up by throwing games machines and a shuffleboard table into the mix too! Also, there’s a private screening room with super surround-sound available to book, where you can watch the most important matches with your chosen team mates in private, featuring a special serving hatch linking straight to the bar so you don’t ever have to leave (well, you do at closing time)!

Jon Shephard, Founder says “If there’s two important things we’ve all learnt recently is that we should not take being able see friends and family for granted, as well as to support local businesses. ‘Matches’ has been born out of the pandemic and as a local resident, I wanted to create a unique, friendly and social space for everyone to come and enjoy, relax and most importantly, have fun whether you’re into sports or not!  

I also want to build up a real connection with the sporting community of Ashford, being a hub where clubs and societies can meet up for chats about team tactics, after training wind-downs and of course, those all-important team socials!

We are looking to open in late Spring once lockdown has been lifted and we can enjoy going out together again. We can’t wait for you all to experience ‘Matches’, bring on the roaring 20s!!"

For more information visit the Matches website.

Press release courtesy of Matches Sports Bar Grill & Social