Star Pubs & Bars pumps more than £4m into pub kitchens

The policy, which launched in 2015 funds high-cost items such as ovens, fridges and grills, to help save licensees money and improve cash flow.

It has been designed to make it easier for licensees to develop a strong food offer and has helped increase the number of Star pubs offering food to 70% and turnover from food has also risen 6% since 2016 to constitute 31% of sales.

Star head of business support Matt Dyson outlined the benefits of the policy and how the investment allows businesses to grow.

Support for success

He said: “We want to attract the right operators with the right offer, invest in their pubs to provide them with the support needed to be successful.

“That means putting in place robust and reliable, good-quality commercial kitchen equipment that can cater for volume.

“Our unique fixtures and fittings policy means licensees have access to kitchen equipment, which can prohibitive for them to buy.

“It frees up cash flow and ensures kitchens are kitted out properly and that high energy efficiency-rated equipment is used."

Allowing business growth

He added: “Our approach to kitchen investment is to invest for the long term – to build kitchens that allow businesses to grow.”

One pub, which has received investment from Star was the Red Kite at Blaydon-on-Tyne, County Durham.

A £280,000 refurbishment was undertaken to improve the pub’s food facilities, including three dining areas meaning a total of 100 covers were added alongside a new kitchen with new equipment, purchased by Star.

Earlier this month (July), The Morning Advertiser ​took a look at new openings and refurbishments of food pubs over the month​ so far.