The Sportsman
Marketing
The Sportsman is an independent bistro tucked away in Preston Village, North Shields - offering elevated British comfort food, thoughtful service, and a growing reputation as one of North Tyneside’s culinary gems.
Marriott Communications was appointed to support The Sportsman’s Marketing strategy during North Tyneside’s Restaurant Week - delivering public relations, content development, and strategic facilitation to help the restaurant elevate its digital presence, drive brand awareness, and engage new audiences.
The Brief
Nestled in the heart of Preston Village, The Sportsman is a quietly confident bistro known for its refined comfort food, relaxed charm, and a growing reputation as a North Tyneside gem.
In a bid to reach new audiences and align with regional hospitality initiatives, The Sportsman took part in North Tyneside Council’s Restaurant Week - a campaign designed to celebrate local dining and drive community footfall.
The restaurant needed a communications partner to amplify its participation in the campaign, shape brand narratives, and translate exposure into real, lasting visibility.
Marriott Communications were appointed to lead a multi-channel communications effort around The Sportsman’s participation in North Tyneside Restaurant Week - ensuring the restaurant not only gained visibility during the campaign, but also built lasting brand equity within the local dining space.
Marriott Communications’ Marketing services included:
Public Relations & Media Strategy
We crafted a PR strategy to position The Sportsman as a standout participant, securing targeted local coverage and earned editorial, including a featured column in Northern Insight magazine that spotlighted the venue’s story, ethos, and culinary appeal.
Content Development & Messaging
We worked closely with the restaurant team to refine and articulate The Sportsman’s brand voice - developing engaging, on-brand content that could be used across web, social media, and printed materials during the campaign.
Strategic Facilitation & Partnership Management
We acted as a liaison between The Sportsman and the local council, ensuring full alignment with Restaurant Week activity, campaign assets, and promotional opportunities. Our on-the-ground presence helped guide customer experience, maximise visibility, and provide strategic advice throughout.
Content Marketing Support
In the run-up and throughout the week, we advised on content themes, coordinated timing, and optimised The Sportsman’s digital footprint - helping turn campaign traffic into meaningful engagement and bookings.
The Impact
Through strategic storytelling, targeted media, and on-the-ground support, Marriott Communications helped transform a council-led initiative into a valuable growth moment - cementing The Sportsman’s reputation as one of the region’s most exciting independent dining destinations.
The campaign delivered a measurable uplift in visibility, footfall, and word-of-mouth momentum. The Sportsman’s story reached new patrons across North Tyneside and beyond, positioning it not just as a participant, but as a highlight of Restaurant Week.
