Heineken has announced plans to invest £4 million in its Star Pubs & Bars Scottish estate this year.
The spending plan will focus on revamping bars across the country, with the aim of maximising the appeal of the outlets.
The bulk of the spend (60%) will go on nine units, which range from city bars to community pubs, chiefly in the central belt, with an average spend of £268,000 per venue.
The investment also includes the £1.36 million refurbishment of the former Blackfriars pub in Inverness, which has been taken on by experienced operator Billy McAneney.
A six-month refurbishment will restore the Grade B building and see the addition of eight en suite letting rooms, with the outlet to be renamed The Optimist.
Heineken said it has identified an additional £2.88 million of projects it wants to undertake in Scotland, subject to licensee recruitment and planning.
Star Pubs & Bars’ Brian Davidson said: “In our experience, the greater and more visible the changes, the more a pub thrives following investment. We are undertaking transformational projects in order to exceed expectations, provide extra reasons for people to visit and attract new customers as a result.”
