The pubco, which has 102 pubs across the county, will focus on creating “great locals” that serve good food and coffee.
One of the 16 to benefit is the Stags Head, Goosnargh, near Preston, where £270,000 will be spent on a refurbishment to reopen the pub after a five-month closure. The work, which starts this week, includes an outside staircase, two dining areas and a traditional bar.
A barista-quality coffee machine will be installed and coffee served all day to make the most of the fact there are no coffee shops in Goosnargh.
City Centre vibes
Star Pubs & Bars operations director for the central region David Pritchard said: "Customers now want the same choice and quality of drinks, good food and entertainment on their doorsteps at their locals as they get in city centres.
“We’re investing £20m this year around the country in pubs like the Stags Head to help them deliver excellent quality and thrive in their role at the heart of their communities.”
According to the pubco, the “biggest winners” of the investment will be rural and suburban pubs with around £10m earmarked to transform them into great local pubs.