Heineken UK to invest £3m in pubs’ outdoor areas

Star Pubs & Bars, Heineken UK’s leased pub business, is set to invest up to £3 million to develop external areas at around 100 of its pubs.

The view from The Red Lion in Shepperton.

Star Pubs & Bars, Heineken UK’s leased pub business, is set to invest up to £3 million to develop external areas at around 100 of its pubs this year.

This investment will represent over a tenth of the total of £20 million due to be invested in 2017.

Two thirds will be spent on redecoration and signage, while a third will be used to create alfresco eating and drinking areas in pub gardens. The project will aim to increase the number of covers and, where internal work is required, features such as bi fold doors will help ‘bring the garden into the pub.’

According to Star, licensees are also investing in the scheme, creating outside bars and adding marquees and other temporary structures to increase outdoor space.

The flat roof at the Thirsty Bear in Reading has already been developed into a ‘New York style bar and pizzeria,’ allowing customers to sit outside for the first time. The all-weather terrace has increased Thirsty Bear’s seating by 41%.

The new roof terrace at the Thirsty Bear, Kings Road, Reading. (Photo Credit: Sean Dillow www.TheBigCheesePhotography.co.uk)

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars said: “Over 50% of people decide where they’re going to eat and drink when they’re out and about. Great looking pubs and outdoor areas are key to attracting them and give licensees the competitive edge.”

“Outdoor space is a valuable asset. It should be treated like another room and carefully planned to best meet the needs of target customers.”

Thirsty Bear’s licensee Vince Healy added: “Outdoor space is invaluable in cities and towns. Customers enjoy drinking and eating outside and it’s also useful for preventing smokers clustering round the front door.”