The Beast From ITV's The Chase Reopened The Winter Green Pub In Waverley?

Anyone living in or around South Yorkshire knows the value of a good local pub. It is more than just a place to grab a pint. It is where people meet, celebrate and unwind. So when a local spot gets a major facelift, it is big news. The Winter Green pub in Waverley, a new neighbourhood between Sheffield and Rotherham, has just had a huge £322,000 renovation. And to mark its grand reopening on Wednesday 12 November 2025, they brought in a proper celebrity brainbox, Mark Labbett, better known to millions as The Beast from ITV’s The Chase.

A proper makeover for a proper pub

A £322,000 investment is not just a lick of paint. This was a full transformation. The biggest change is that the pub now has two completely separate spaces. Sometimes you want to watch the match with your mates, and other times you want a quiet family meal. Most pubs try to do both in one room, which rarely works well.

The Winter Green team has solved that. There is now a dedicated sports bar area and a distinct family lounge. Sports fans can cheer without disturbing families enjoying a Sunday roast, and families can relax without feeling like they are in the middle of a stadium crowd. The renovated bar is built for big sporting moments, while the lounge feels calmer and more welcoming. It is smart planning and shows the pub understands what the Waverley community actually wants.

A Beast of a celebrity guest

If you are reopening a pub, why not do it with style? That is exactly what they did. Mark Labbett, The Beast himself, hosted a pub quiz on reopening night. For locals, it was a rare chance to test their general knowledge against one of the most iconic quizzers in the country. Winning a quiz run by The Beast would make for some unforgettable bragging rights.

His appearance created a huge buzz and turned the reopening into a real event. It was not just a celebrity photo opportunity. It was interactive, lively and fun, the kind of night that helps a pub build its reputation as a place for great entertainment.

More than just a famous face

Even though The Beast drew the crowd, the pub also used the moment to celebrate local heroes. The honour of pulling the first official pint did not go to the celebrity guest. It went to Roger Smith, a community hero recognised for his hard work in grassroots football.

Grassroots football relies on volunteers who give up their time to support local teams. By giving Roger the first pour, the Winter Green showed its commitment to the community. The reopening celebrated national fame and local dedication in equal measure, which is exactly what a proper neighbourhood pub should do.

What is new inside the Winter Green?

The renovation brought in several improvements, especially for sports and socialising. Here is what visitors can now enjoy:

• Huge TV screens showing major sporting events
• More sports channels than before
• A dedicated darts area
• A brand-new pool table
• A dog-friendly policy, so four-legged friends are welcome

Food-wise, the pub continues to serve all the classic favourites. With Christmas around the corner, they have also launched a special seasonal menu. Expect competitions, events and offers throughout the year to keep things lively.

A word from the boss

General Manager Emma Thompson is clearly thrilled about the transformation. She said:

“We are so excited to reopen the doors of the Winter Green and welcome our wonderful guests back to see the results of our refurbishment. With brand-new TVs and even more sports channels, we cannot wait for everyone to join us and enjoy this summer’s biggest sporting moments together. We have invested significantly to breathe new life into the pub, and we are looking forward to creating even more great memories with our loyal customers.”

It is clear that the investment was about much more than new carpets or flashy screens. It was about enhancing the experience for everyone who walks in, whether they are there for sport, a family meal or just a quiet pint.

The reopening marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the Winter Green. And with The Beast helping launch it, it is fair to say they opened with a roar rather than a whisper.