Heineken, the brewing giant, is injecting £39 million into its UK pub network, aiming to revitalize 62 once-shuttered venues.
This endeavor, a facet of Heineken’s Star Pubs and Bars division overseeing 2,400 sites throughout the UK, anticipates creating over 1,000 fresh employment opportunities.
The funding will enable refurbishments at over 600 pubs nationwide, accounting for roughly a quarter of the Star chain, and will target 94 additional outlets, predominantly in suburban locales, within the current year.
The investment is geared towards adjusting to the evolving work patterns, as more individuals opt for remote work and outdoor spaces gain heightened popularity in the aftermath of the pandemic.
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The world’s second-largest brewer plans to enlarge kitchen facilities and improve pub gardens as part of its expansion efforts.
The company’s strategy aims to return the number of operational outlets to pre-pandemic levels, mirroring the shift in customer commuting habits towards city centers.
Heineken’s renovation plans will convert specific pubs into high-quality local establishments.
The renovations will incorporate “subtle zoning” to cater to various customer activities, including sports viewing and dining.
Lawson Mountstevens, the managing director of Star Pubs, remarked, “Customers seek maximum value from their local outings.”
“They desire excellent ambiance, food, and beverages, along with activities that provide added incentive for outings, like sports screenings and entertainment,” noted Lawson Mountstevens.
This recent investment is part of a larger £200 million commitment by Heineken to its UK pubs since 2019.
In a recent development, Punch Pubs, a UK-based pub and bar operator, broadened its portfolio by acquiring 24 Wear Inns pubs from Milton Three. These include establishments like the Black Bull in Morpeth, the Cross Keys in Washington, and the New Inn in Wetherby.
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