Heineken, a Dutch brewing company, has announced a significant investment of £39 million into its Star Pubs operation in the UK. This move will not only bring new life to 62 pubs, but also create over 1,000 jobs.
According to Star Pubs, a total of 612 pubs will benefit from this investment. The focus of the refurbishments will be on transforming tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals, as more people are choosing to commute less to city centers. The renovations will include subtle zoning work to cater to various customer activities, such as watching sports and dining.
Two pubs in Essex have already reopened after undergoing renovations that cost £424,000 together. Another pub in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, is set to relaunch later this month. “People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local,” said Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs. “They want great surroundings and food and drink as well as activities that give them an extra reason to go out, such as sports screenings and entertainment. Creating fantastic locals that can accommodate a range of occasions meets this need and helps pubs fulfill their role as vital third spaces where communities can come together.”
In addition to the aesthetic improvements, some pubs will also receive upgrades to their cellars with new dispensing equipment and energy-efficient measures such as heating controls. This investment is on top of similar plans in recent years and will bring the total amount invested since 2019 to over £200 million.
Mr. Mountstevens emphasized the importance of government support for pubs, stating, “Pubs have proved their enduring appeal, despite all the disruption of recent years. Star is on track to have the lowest number of closed pubs since 2019. It’s a tribute to the drive and entrepreneurship of licensees and the importance of continued investment.” He also added, “Well-invested pubs run by great licensees are here to stay, but like all locals, they need government support to reduce the enormous tax burden they shoulder.”
The British Beer and Pub Association reports that despite government support, 450 pubs were forced to close last year due to the high cost of living and business. They also warn that another 2,000 pubs are at risk if further support is not provided. This investment from Heineken is a positive step towards revitalizing the pub industry and supporting the local communities they serve.
