Heineken has announced plans to reopen 62 pubs in the UK as part of a major programme that will create 1,000 new jobs for Britons, GB News reports.
The Dutch brewing giant shared plans to invest £39 million in more than 600 of its pubs in the UK through its Star Pubs company. Star Pubs has confirmed that more than a quarter of the company’s 2,400 pubs, 612 establishments, are to be improved as part of the investment programme.
This follows similar investment initiatives in recent years, with more than £200 million invested over the past five years.
According to the company, the redevelopment will “focus on transforming outdated pubs in suburban areas into premium local establishments”. This is being done as a result of people travelling less to city centres for work. Furthermore, “subtle zoning” work will be included to entice different customers in the years to come.
To do this, the revamped pubs will offer a variety of different entertainment options, such as watching sports and dining out. Stat Pubs said that some of the renovations will include cellar renovations with the installation of new dispensing equipment. In addition, the company said there will be energy efficiency measures such as heating controls.
Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs’ managing director, said:
People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local. 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.
He also 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.
