Star Pubs & Bars to pump £38m into its estate
The scheme will benefit 700 local pubs across England and Wales, creating an estimate 500 new jobs. It builds on Heineken UK’s £62m investment in rent reductions during the pandemic.
The pub company revealed almost 80 pubs will received major makeovers, costing between £125,000 and £400,000 each.
It will focus on creating premium locals in suburban and high street locations within a 10 minute walk from residential areas.
The refurbishments will also aim to make pubs more comfortable and stylish inside, improve beer gardens, the introduction of a better quality food offer alongside drinks.
Quality pubs
Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens said: “Many people have rediscovered the joy of their neighbourhood pub between lockdowns over the past year and are opting to stay local.
“This investment responds to that demand, giving communities quality pubs on their doorsteps. 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 are committed to building on that support with refurbishments, so pubs around the country thrive for the long term.”
Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge in Lancashire received a £165,000 investment, which included a renovation of the outside, a complete redecoration of the interior as well as a new 60-seat garden, doubling the pub’s capacity.
Refurbishment impact
Furthermore, the pub also had a brand-new kitchen, resulting in up to 80% of more meals being able to be served. The investment has also created 10 new jobs.
While the venue opened in February, due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns and restrictions in the north west, it was only able to trade for five months last year and four months this year.
Licensee Sarah Locke said: “People love the new look and it’s bringing in all ages. Local residents who hadn’t been in for years, if ever, are now regulars, plus we are attracting a lot more drive-by customers.
“We saw the impact of the refurbishment immediately. Sales trebled overnight when we reopened and have stayed at their level despite a lot of local competition. Covid restrictions and the overall impact of the pandemic, which we really felt in this area."
