Brewery titan plans to spend £39 million on reviving shuttered pubs
Heineken UK's Star Pubs and Bars are set to have the lowest number of closed pubs since 2019, with plans to reopen 62 pubs and refurbish hundreds of older venues this year. This investment of around £39-40 million is part of Heineken UK's broader strategy to boost the hospitality sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
The refurbishment plans include modernizing interiors while retaining the traditional character of venues, revamping layouts and atmospheres to create inviting spaces for relaxed drinking and social gatherings, and developing dedicated areas for sports viewing, live music, and dining events. Heineken UK is also investing in outdoor spaces like beer gardens to improve the overall environment and customer experience.
The Ashford arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire, has already reopened after closing during the Covid-19 pandemic. The pub, which has a 107-cover restaurant, nine en-suite rooms, and a 30-cover alfresco area, is a testament to Heineken UK's commitment to the pub industry despite the challenges.
However, the number of closed pubs in the UK is higher than it was in 2019, with over 500 pubs closing across the UK in 2023 according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). The continued investment by Heineken UK is not enough to offset the overall trend of pub closures in the UK.
Heineken's developments aim to benefit the environment by launching projects to improve pub insulation and cut energy use by 15%. Heineken's goal is to become net-zero by 2040. The refurbishment project is expected to cost around £200,000 per site.
The investment by Heineken UK is a testament to their commitment to the pub industry. By the end of 2024, Heineken will have opened the doors to 156 long-term closed pubs since the end of 2023. The company plans to continue investing to keep pubs open and thriving, demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.
[1] Heineken UK announces £39-40m investment in pub renovations and reopenings. (2023, February 1). [online] Available at: https://www.heineken.com/news/heineken-uk-announces-39-40m-investment-in-pub-renovations-and-reopenings
[2] Heineken UK invests in pub renovations to create versatile social hubs. (2023, February 1). [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/01/heineken-uk-invests-in-pub-renovations-to-create-versatile-social-hubs
- Heineken UK's investment in pub renovations will create dedicated areas for sports viewing, making these pubs attractive spots for sports enthusiasts within the community.
- By revamping and reopening many closed pubs, Heineken UK is not only boosting the hospitality sector but also offering opportunities for social gatherings, transforming these venues into vibrant community hubs for dining events and live music.
