Ashford will get a new sports bar when lockdown is eased, filling an empty unit at a £75m leisure complex.

Matches Sports Bar, Grill & Social is coming to Elwick Place in late spring, creating more than 10 jobs.

The bar will feature "an abundance of Ultra-HD screens", according to founder Jon Shephard, showing not just football but "whatever sports you're into".

Despite being a sports bar, the main focus of the venture will be on creating a fun place to go out with friends and share conversation.

An on-site burger and wing kitchen will provide food, with sides including waffles and vegetarian options on offer.

A range of craft beers - as well as global brands - will be served at the Matches bar.

Unique to Ashford will be three self-pour beer booths, designed to allow conversation to flow without having to leave to go to the bar.

Matches - to open next to Macknade underneath the Picturehouse cinema - will boast a pool table and darts board, as well as gaming machines and a shuffleboard table.

There will also be a private screening room, which can be booked to watch the most important matches with your mates.

Founder Jon Shephard said: “If there’s two important things we’ve all learnt recently is that we should not take seeing 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."

The bar will be joining the likes of The Gastronomist, which will also be opening in Elwick Place once lockdown is eased.

Alongside that will be Unita 4, which is being billed as a family-friendly Italian restaurant.

And earlier this month, Macknade expanded into the former Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre unit.

Matches is looking to hire an experienced bar and kitchen manager, with applicants encouraged to email info@matchesashford.com

For more information on the business, click here.

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