Heineken, the Dutch brewing company, has announced that it will invest £39m in its UK Star Pubs chain, with plans to reopen 62 that have been closed in recent years. The company claims that the injection of cash will create over 1,000 new jobs. More than 600 of the pubs in the chain, which numbers 2,400, will receive renovations, with much of the work aimed at transforming “tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals”. Heineken’s decision to invest stems from its observation that many customers are cutting back on the number of trips they make to city centres.
Subtle zoning is to be added to the pubs in an attempt to facilitate different customer activities such as sports-watching and dining. Lawson Mountstevens, head of Star Pubs, has stated that many people seek “value” in their local pub visits, and that the changes will help provide “great surroundings and food and drink” with added reasons to return. Until now, Heineken has also invested in several other plans in the UK, totalling £200m since 2019.
Traditional pubs in the UK have been steadily declining, with the British Beer and Pub Association reporting that around 500 pubs have closed in 2023. Heineken is keen to buck this trend, with the hope that the new investment will be seen as evidence that their business is targeting struggling areas of the pub industry. With convenient locations, a strong network and a huge reputation, it hopes to attract new customers and leverage its positive investments.
Heineken’s investment in UK pubs not only helps to restart the traditional pub scene, but also serves to create jobs for thousands of people all across the country, helping to stimulate local economies in the process. As well as contributing to the UK’s economic development, it is hoped that the move will inspire other large businesses to similarly invest in local communities and industries
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