Heineken UK has announced a major £40 million investment in its Star Pubs division for 2025, aiming to upgrade and reopen hundreds of pubs across the UK, with a strong focus on rural and suburban communities-including Scotland.
This initiative is set to create nearly 1,000 new jobs nationwide, with 150 of those roles earmarked specifically for Scotland as part of a dedicated £4.5 million investment in Scottish pubs.
A quarter of Heineken UK’s 2,400 pubs-some 608 venues-will benefit from enhancements this year, with 104 pubs receiving transformational revamps costing over £120,000 each.
In Scotland, the investment will help revitalise local pubs, supporting employment and providing a boost to the hospitality sector. Star Pubs licensees already employ around 25,000 people across the UK, supporting thousands of local suppliers and raising millions for charity.
Reviving the Great British (and Scottish) Local
Heineken’s consistent investment has resulted in the highest number of open pubs since before the pandemic, with more than £194 million invested in improvements since 2020.
The company’s strategy is to create “great locals” that serve as the heart of their communities. Renovations will focus on stylish, comfortable, and welcoming designs, while preserving historic features and improving energy efficiency.
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs, said: “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 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.”
Recent pub reopenings demonstrate the impact of this investment. For example, The Six Bells in Littlehampton was transformed with a £425,000 investment, creating ten jobs and restoring a historic venue for the community. Similar projects are planned across Scotland, ensuring local pubs remain vibrant social hubs and vital sources of employment.
Heineken’s investment not only secures jobs but also strengthens the future of community pubs across Scotland and the UK. The company is urging the government to address the tax burden on pubs to further support the sector’s growth.
