A number of cash‑strapped pubs across the East Midlands are getting a major boost after HEINEKEN UK announced a £44.5million investment to upgrade hundreds of locals next year.
The drinks giant says the cash will fund improvements to 647 UK pubs in its Star Pubs estate in 2026 – nearly a third of its 2,350 venues – helping to protect pubs at a time when businesses are struggling to stay afloat.
The programme includes 108 full‑scale transformations, each costing £145,000 or more, and is expected to create around 850 jobs nationwide.
These East Midlands pubs are set for upgrades…
The East Midlands will receive £3.92m, with licensees contributing a further £275,000, creating 70 new local jobs.
In total, 17 pubs across the region will benefit from major refurbishments – including The Punch Bowl in West Hallam, which is set to reopen this summer after being shut for three years.
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Six pubs will also upgrade their sports facilities, with improvements ranging from new pool tables and high‑spec TV systems showing Sky and TNT Sports, to halo‑lit darts boards designed to tap into the Luke Littler effect.
The following pubs have been chosen to receive the sports cash…
- Cap & Stocking, Kegworth
- Punch Bowl, West Hallam
- Donkey, Leicester
- Crown Inn, Anstey
- Horse & Groom, Rearsby
- King Alfred, Alfreton
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs, said:”Pubs are a fantastic institution, admired the world over. We’re proud to be a leading investor in Britain’s independently run locals and to be playing a part in securing their future.
“Investment is vital if pubs are to remain a first choice for socialising – but we can only do so much. We urgently need reform of business rates and a reduction in the tax burden on pubs, including VAT and beer duty.”
He added that the investment would also create flexible job opportunities, giving many young people their first taste of work.
Success stories: The Duke in Burgage, Buxton
One of the pubs already feeling the benefit is The Duke in Burbage, Buxton.
After being closed for four years, The Duke reopened following a £240,000 refurbishment, creating 22 local jobs. The pub has been fully revamped inside and out and reopened in October 2025, quickly becoming a community favourite.
Licensee Rebecca Higgins said:”Trade has been better than we ever dared hope. We’re attracting everyone – from young people to retired couples – and it’s amazing to see the pub busy again.”
