Brewing giant Heineken has announced a £40m ($53m) investment in its Star Pubs division, aiming to rejuvenate more than 600 community pubs in rural and suburban areas across the UK.
The investment will support the reopening of sites that have been closed, with refurbishment works already in progress or completed at ten pubs as of 2025.
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The investment by Heineken will not only revitalise the community pubs but also enhance their sustainability.
The funds are earmarked for the rollout of energy efficiency measures, which will improve the environmental footprint of these establishments.
Heineken’s Star Pubs managing director Lawson Mountstevens said: “Consistent investment – rather than a stop, start approach – and a strategy of creating great locals have been key to helping our pubs weather the storms of the last few years.
“Heineken sees first hand the value in great British pubs and their ongoing popularity. It recognises that Brits love their locals and that well-invested pubs trade better. This £40m inward investment from a Dutch business into UK pubs is a resounding vote of confidence in the future of the sector.
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By GlobalData“Even with pressures on disposable income, people are still prioritising a trip to their local, valuing it as an everyday treat and as a way of connecting with their community. But they want to be guaranteed a quality experience: relaxing in an attractive setting is an important factor when pubgoers choose where to spend their money.”
The brewing giant reopened 62 of its long-term closed pubs in 2024, creating over 1,000 new jobs.
In addition to Heineken’s efforts, Punch Pubs, a UK pub and bar operator, has expanded its own portfolio in September 2024. The company acquired 14 new venues, increasing its total to 1,300 sites.
