Heineken Announces £39m Investment to Reopen Over 60 Closed Pubs
Heineken, the brewing giant, has revealed plans to inject £39 million into its UK pub chain, Star Pubs, with the aim of reopening 62 pubs that had been closed in recent years.
The substantial investment is expected to generate over 1,000 new jobs and will involve renovations at more than 600 pubs, constituting around a quarter of the Star Pubs chain, which comprises 2,400 establishments.
Heineken’s decision to reopen these pubs reflects a shifting consumer trend, with many customers opting for local suburban venues over city center establishments, particularly due to changes in commuting habits.
The investment will focus on upgrading tired pubs in suburban areas, transforming them into premium local destinations. This initiative includes implementing “subtle zoning” to enhance the customer experience, allowing patrons to enjoy various activities such as sports viewing and dining simultaneously.
Lawson Mountstevens, Managing Director of Star Pubs, emphasized the importance of providing maximum value to customers during their visits to local pubs. He highlighted the demand for high-quality surroundings, food, drinks, and engaging activities that offer an added incentive for patrons to frequent these establishments.
Heineken’s latest investment adds to a series of similar initiatives unveiled since 2019, totaling £200 million in investments. This move comes amidst a backdrop of declining pub numbers across the UK, with approximately 500 pubs closing their doors in 2023, according to data from the British Beer and Pub Association.
