Heineken UK is investing £39 million in upgrading and re-opening pubs in its Star Pubs’ estate in 2024, creating an estimated 1,075 jobs.
The Ashford Arms, in Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire. The pub closed at the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020 but has been re-opened by by Star Pubs this year, in partnership with Rob Hattersley, of Derbyshire-based Longbow Venues
A quarter of Heineken UK’s 2,400 pubs are in line for improvement, with 94 of these set for makeovers, costing £200,000 on average.
The investment will also cover work to re-open 62 long-term closed locals this year. By the end of 2024, Heineken UK says it will have re-opened 156 such pubs since the start of 2023. This will reduce the number of closed pubs in its estate to pre-pandemic levels.
The refurbishments will aim to transform tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals. The revamps are designed to broaden each pub’s use and appeal.
Subtle zoning will signpost pub-goers to the area likely to suit them best, enabling different groups of customers to simultaneously enjoy a variety of activities — from watching sports to dining — without disturbing each other.
Other changes will include overhauling cellars with state-of-the-art dispense equipment, aimed at improving beer quality and helping Heineken UK towards its net zero target.
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“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.
“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.”
He 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.”
