Brewing giant Heineken says it hopes to support 600 new jobs with a £40 million investment in its Star Pubs & Bars estate. 

The Edinburgh-based pub, cider and beer business said it will spend the money this year upgrading 570 pubs across the UK.

It said neighbourhood locals are set to benefit most, in keeping with changing consumer habits which has seen more people choosing to go out drinking closer to home during the cost-of-living crisis. Heineken said neighbourhood locals make up 70 per cent of its 2,400 pubs.

It said the boost for pubs, which are also set to have a bumper Coronation bank holiday weekend, will also include helping them in their bid to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Star Pubs & Bars managing director Lawson Mountstevens 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.”

He added: “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.”

Regionally Heineken is putting £1.77 million into upgrading some of its East Midlands premises, with a further £135,000 coming from individual pub operators.

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

Publican Ben Bronson said: “The Peacock had been closed for two years. So there was delight all round when it reopened, especially as the refurbishment had been sympathetic.

We’ve been really busy since reopening with former regulars who used to drink here 20 years ago returning as well as lots of new customers. Cask ale is especially popular.”

The company has identified a further five pubs in the East Midlands for investment, which it said would lead to 39 new jobs. A refurbishment of The White Lion in Beeston is already underway to create two new pubs – The White Lion and Blackshale Bar & Kitchen.

The company is also currently in talks with operators to do up The Salutation and The Pear Tree, which are both in Keyworth, The Major Oak, Arnold, and The Blacksmiths, in Loughborough.