UK
Heineken investment set to reopen 62 pubs – is your local on the list?
Heineken is investing £39m in more than 600 of its pubs in the UK – in a move it says will bring 62 back from the dead.
The Dutch brewer said the cash injection into its Star Pubs operation will create more than 1,000 jobs.
According to Star Pubs, 612 pubs are set to benefit, with refurbishments focusing on “transforming tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals” as people commute less to city centres.
This will include “subtle zoning” work to cater for various customer activities, such as watching sport and dining.
Two pubs in Essex have already reopened after works costing £424,000 together, with another in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, set to relaunch later this month.
“People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local,” said Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs’ managing director.
“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 fulfil their role as vital third spaces where communities can come together.”
Some revamps will also include overhauling cellars with new dispensing equipment and measures to improve energy efficiency, such as heating controls, Star said.
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It comes on top of similar plans in recent years and will represent more than £200m in investments since 2019.
Mr Mountstevens added: “Pubs have proved their enduring appeal, after 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.
“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.”
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Pubs have suffered as both the cost of living and business forced 450 sites to close last year despite government support, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, which warns another 2,000 are at risk.