Publican Awards 2026 Best Pub Brand/Concept, sponsored by Funkin: BOX, Arc Inspirations

Arc Inspirations' BOX wins Best Pub Brand/Concept at 2026 Publican Awards
Publican Awards: BOX from Arc Inspirations was this year's winner of Best Pub Brand/Concept (The Morning Advertiser)

Arc Inspirations’ BOX brand has continued its rapid evolution as one of the UK’s most dynamic pub bar concepts, marked most notably by the opening of its seventh site – its first in London and its debut in the south of England.

This milestone demonstrates the brand’s growing national confidence and broadening appeal.

BOX is built around its signature ‘Watch, Play, Party’ mantra, creating multi‑layered experiences that cater to a wide demographic. Venues are designed to be high‑energy social hubs where guests can watch live sport on an extensive array of screens, ensuring atmosphere and visibility from every angle.

Entertainment commitment

The ‘play’ element is equally embedded, with shuffleboard, darts and other social games driving dwell time and group visits. Alongside this, the brand’s commitment to entertainment shines through its bandeoke – where a live band plays and customers sing in the main venue – karaoke and an evolving calendar of events that amplify the ‘party’ aspect and keep venues buzzing throughout the week.

Drinks are a major strength of the concept, ranging from local craft breweries to Budvar tank beer and an expansive barrel‑aged cocktail offer, ensuring broad appeal and memorable serves. Food is designed to fit the pace and vibrancy of the environment, supported by high and low seating zones that keep the atmosphere fluid and engaging – even during peak sporting moments.

Local nods

While BOX venues share a consistent, contemporary aesthetic, each site incorporates local touches such as regional beers and bespoke neon signage, helping the brand embed itself within different communities without losing its core identity.

Marketing is bold and wide‑reaching, delivered through influencer partnerships, supplier‑led campaigns, sports rights activations and the increasingly successful Sundown Sessions live‑music programme.

Together, these elements position BOX as a compelling, modern pub‑bar experience that excels in energy, versatility and all‑day relevance.