UK: Heineken to invest more than £1.77 mln into upgrading East Midlands pubs

Heineken has confirmed plans to invest more than £1.77m into upgrading East Midlands pubs, the Insider Media reported on May 3.

The move forms part of a wider £40m investment in 570 pubs in its Star Pubs & Bars' estate nationwide, which will create about 600 jobs.

One pub that has benefited from this investment is The Peacock in Nottingham, a historic pub once frequented by DH Lawrence. A £247,000 upgrade allowed the pub to reopen after a two-year closure with many of the original features – such as Peacock motif etched windows and original push bells for ordering drinks – retained.

The company has identified a further five sites in the East Midlands for investment. A refurbishment of The White Lion in Beeston is already underway to create two new pubs: The White Lion, a traditional cask ale house – and Blackshale Bar & Kitchen, a contemporary bar specialising in craft ales and modern English cuisine.

The company is also currently in talks with operators to revamp The Salutation, The Pear Tree, Keyworth, The Major Oak, Arnold, and The Blacksmiths, Loughborough.

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars' managing director, said: "We know from previous economic downturns that when customers' disposable income is squeezed, they look for an exceptional experience when they go out.

"A great ambience and attractive surroundings are key and contribute to the value for money that pubgoers seek. It's more important than ever to invest during uncertain times like these, to keep pubs thriving and meeting the needs of their communities.

"The last three years have been tough for everyone. People want some light relief and to get together and enjoy themselves. Pubs are ideally placed to meet this demand, offering an affordable treat. Our investment is a vote of confidence in the great British local."

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