Heineken announces £2.64M Vote of Confidence in Yorkshire Pubs

• A quarter (608) of HEINEKEN’s 2,400 pubs across the UK set for investment in 2025 creating nearly 1,000 new jobs

• £2.64m reserved for upgrading pubs in Yorkshire this year creating 76 jobs

• Consistent investment results in HEINEKEN UK having the highest number of open pubs since before the pandemic

• Works already completed or in progress to reopen two closed pubs in Yorkshire so far in 2025 with a further two closed locals earmarked for investment.

As the UK focuses on boosting economic growth, HEINEKEN UK has announced today it will invest £40m in upgrading and reopening pubs in its Star Pubs division in 2025, creating nearly 1,000 new jobs across the country. 25% (608) of HEINEKEN UK’s 2,400 pubs will benefit from enhancements during the year, with 104 of these earmarked for transformational revamps costing £120,000 plus. 

£2.64m is earmarked for pubs in Yorkshire with licensees expected to invest £434,000 on top, demonstrating confidence in the future of the pub market and resulting in an estimated 76 new jobs. Nine pubs in the region are to benefit from improvements including three that are currently closed.  The South Lodge in Ripon, shut since January, opens at the end of May.  Subject to legals being completed, work will start in August on Gibsons in York, which has been shuttered for four years, and in September at The Cask & Spindle in Shepley, which has been out of action for five years. 

Two formerly shut pubs that have already benefited from investment and are flourishing since reopening are The Westgate in Halifax and The Black Bull in Ecclesfield.

Although trading conditions have been tough over recent years, HEINEKEN UK has invested consistently throughout, pumping £194m into improving its pubs between the start of 2020 and the end of 2024. 

97% of HEINEKEN UK’s pubs are in rural and suburban locations and its 2025 investment programme will reflect this, concentrating on community locals. Major refurbishments will make over pubs with stylish, comfortable and welcoming decors designed to entice pubgoers and cater for a wide range of customers and occasions. A comprehensive package of energy efficiency measures will be included to increase each pub’s sustainability. Every project will be sympathetic to the building and its history, retaining and preserving original features. 

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs’ managing director 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 firsthand 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 £40 million inward investment from a Dutch business into UK pubs is a resounding vote of confidence in the future of the sector.

“The investment in The Black Bull in Ecclesfield and The Westgate in Halifax have had a terrific response from local residents. Even with pressures on disposable income, people in Yorkshire 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 vast majority of our pubs are leased by independent operators who run them as their own. In partnership with our licensees, our investment programme keeps alive the great British tradition of individual locals, each with its own unique feel and serving the particular needs of its community.

“Star Pubs’ licensees employ some 25,000 people, support thousands of local suppliers and raise millions for charity. Pubs are the lifeblood of their communities and growth engines for the UK economy; however, they are being penalised by a disproportionate tax burden. We urge the Government to rectify this distortion when proposals to overhaul business rates are drawn up this year.”

*CASE STUDIES:

The Westgate, Halifax

A £350,000 investment by Star Pubs saw The Westgate In Halifax reopen in March following a closure of over six years. The sympathetic refurbishment of the 18^th century Grade II listed building has transformed it into a top quality local with a more contemporary interior and created six new jobs. 

Ideally located for shoppers, workers and those visiting the neighbouring Piece Hall, the pub offers a range of drinks for different occasions including all-day coffee, cask ale and cocktails.  Since opening it has hosted screenings of tournaments such as the Six Nations and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Trade at The Westgate has surpassed expectations. The pub is appealing to workers at the end of the day and those on the weekend city centre circuit. Live acoustic music and quizzes start in May and The Westgate's popularity will be boosted further once the Piece Hall summer schedule gets underway and tourist numbers increase.

Black Bull, Ecclesfield

A £198,000 investment in 2024 by Star Pubs and South Yorkshire based multiple operators, Simon Woodcock and Richard Hepplestone, saw The Black Bull in Ecclesfield reopen at the beginning of August 2024 after an 18-month closure.   

The investment transformed The Black Bull from a dated drinkers’ local into a high-quality, family-friendly pub featuring an attractive garden, a dedicated games room, and offering the community a diverse entertainment programme. It also created 10 new jobs.

The interior has three distinct zones to accommodate customers looking for different experiences. There is a spacious bar for socialising and a comfortable carpeted lounge as well as the best games room in the area complete with a pool table, darts and screens showing live sports. Outside the cobbled courtyard garden has festoon lighting and an outdoor TV screen ensuring sports fans don’t miss out on watching games in warmer months.

Since reopening The Black Bull has gone from strength to strength. Says Richard Hepplestone: “Our pubs are all drinks-led and community-based offering residents entertainment and sports facilities on their doorstep. Providing a quality offer, a great environment with entertainment and a warm welcome ensures a loyal following.  We wouldn’t have been able to take on The Black Bull had it not been a leasehold and had investment from Star Pubs. It’s been a win-win for everyone. The community absolutely love having a fantastic local. They’re showing their appreciation by voting with their feet, and are even giving thank you gifts and flowers to the manager. Trade has exceeded all expectations and is a third more than anticipated.”