Pubs are raising a glass to Heineken investment
NORTH East pubs are set for more than £850,000 of investments from Heineken UK this year as part of a multimillion-pound packet of improvements.
The hospitality group is pumping £42m into upgrading locals around the country in its Star Pubs and Bars’ estate in 2022, recognising more people are staying closer to home in the wake of the pandemic – placing greater emphasis on pubs as the focal point for communities.
Three projects are benefiting so far, including The Diamond in Ponteland recently re-opening following a £350,000 makeover, and The Gate in Framwellgate following a £450,000 upgrade (£264,000 of Star investment).
The Harbour Lights in South Shields is also earmarked for a £193,000 cash boost, including an internal and external upgrade, subject to recruiting new operators.
The Star Pubs and Bars schemes in the North East reflect two long-term trends which have been accelerated and amplified by the pandemic with pubgoers’ increasing demand for quality food and drink and for outdoor socialising.
The project at The Diamond, Ponteland, which included £264,000 from Star Pubs and Bars and the rest from directors Vaulkhard Leisure, saw a massive all-weather terrace created and an interior upgrade.
It re-opened at the end of March and has been busy since.
Director Ollie Vaulkhard said: “The Diamond needed to move with the times and offer a more premium feel while staying true to its origins. Since re-opening, we have been substantially busier than before the upgrade – with trade up 35%.
“The investment has broadened the pub’s appeal with everyone using it, including more female customers.
“People are coming in for breakfast, coffees, drinks and meals.
“We have been overwhelmed by positive feedback since re-opening with people saying it is just what the pub needed. I couldn’t be happier.”
Lawson Mountstevens, managing-director of Star Pubs and Bars, added: “People have stayed closer to home over the last two years due to the pandemic and turned to their local for the kind of experience they’d previously have travelled to a city centre, restaurant or bar to find.
“They don’t want to turn back time, they expect better quality including food and specialty drinks – such as cocktails – which are harder to recreate at home.
“It’s the same with gardens. Sitting outside at the pub has become a new occasion and, if the outside space is good enough, customers will wrap up to enjoy it – even in the winter months.
“Outdoor facilities also remain important for those who are still cautious about going out as the UK learns to live with Covid.
“The cost-of-living squeeze on wallets is magnifying these trends.
“People are looking for a really great experience when they go out.
“These are challenging times. However, we are confident that wellinvested pubs which adapt to market changes will have a bright, long-term future.”