Heineken to invest £38m across its Star Pubs & Bars estate

The investment will benefit 700 venues in England and Wales by the end of this year, of which around 80 will undergo significant makeovers, with between £125,000 and £400,000 spent on each.

Star Pubs says the move will focus on creating premium local pub venues in suburban and high street locations, within a 10-minute walk from residential areas, in response to the fact that many people are still working from home.

Pub gardens will be improved as will the quality of the food, it says, as well as a focus on serving more premium coffee, spirits, wines, lagers and ciders.

“Many people have rediscovered the joy of their neighbourhood pub between lockdowns over the last year, and are opting to stay local. This investment responds to that demand giving communities quality pubs on their doorsteps, says Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens.

“We’ve spent £62m on rent cuts ​​to keep our pubs afloat during the pandemic. The pandemic has shown the resilience of the great British pub and especially the leased and tenanted model.

“We’re committed to building on that support with refurbishments, so that pubs around the country thrive for the long term.”