Star Pubs & Bars to invest over £2m in 100 pubs’ outdoor areas

The money spent will form part of the company’s plans to invest £20m overall, with 25 pubs across the estate receiving improved outside eating and drinking areas, and a further 75 receiving new signage and external decorations.

All work has been scheduled to be completed ahead of the peak summer trading months, and – at the pubs with a focus on sports broadcasting ‒ will also be finished in time for football tournament Euro 2016.

The outside improvements will include all-weather solutions, including heaters, retractable covers, and, in some cases, special ‘sheds’ that have been designed to allow smaller groups of customers to congregate in poor weather.

Many pubs are also set to see corresponding interior improvements from licensees, including ‘premiumising’ drinks, adding to menus, introducing a new coffee offer, or simply redecorating.

One example will be the Hazeldene pub and hotel in Gretna Green (pictured), which is set to see a £40,000 investment in the outside area, including adding a 40-cover outside decking area, French doors, and a retractable canopy and sides. The changes - part of a wider £220,000 investment in the business - are expected to allow the pub to grow its function and wedding operation.

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars managing director said: “These projects will meet customer demand for alfresco dining and boost pubs’ capacity for a relatively low spend. The outside of a pub is its shop window and if it looks great it will attract passing trade.”

Previously known as Scottish & Newcastle, Star Pubs & Bars is the leased pub business of Heineken UK.