Heineken have announced that they'll be reopening 62 pubs across the UK after launching a chunky investment into the pub sector.
The Dutch beer company operates the Star Pubs brand, which in turn operates 2,400 pubs which they lease out to people.
Now there's going to be some more to add to that number as there'll be some improvements to about a quarter of locations and the reopening of others.
All in all it's going to be an investment worth £39 million going in over more than 600 pubs they own across the UK.
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The cherry on top of that rather boozy cake is that this will allow them to reopen a grand total of 62 pubs, which were closed on a long-term basis.
This is all part of plans to 'concentrate on transforming tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals', as people commuting to city centres for work less often means they've got more time in the day to go to their local pub, The Guardian reports.
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.”
This refurbishment money is going to be for something called 'subtle zoning', where different bits of the pub will be made to appeal to their plethora of customers.
By doing up the pubs the idea is that they can better cater to all the things people go there for, like watching sport on the TV or having a meal.
Some of the pubs will also have new cellars which will help them be more energy efficient, which is pretty important for pubs that have been kicked in the knackers by rising energy prices.
According to Sky News, some of the pubs planning to reopen this year include:
- The Cherry Tree in Witham, Essex
- The Junction in Wombwell, South Yorkshire
- The Crown & Anchor, Aveley, Essex
- The Wildmoor Oak at Wildmoor, Bromsgrove
- The Hesketh Tavern in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport
- The Black Bull in Ecclesfield, Sheffield
Mountstevens said: "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.”
Joe Harker