THREE Bradford pubs are set to benefit from a £38 million cash investment by pubs chain Star, with each receiving tens of thousands of pounds.

Owned by Heineken, Star Pubs & Bars will receive the injection of funds which will benefit around 700 pubs and create around 500 jobs.

Three of the pubs set to receive investment are based in and near Bradford; the Dog & Gun in Apperley Bridge, The Albion in Clayton, and The Malt Shovel in Drighlington.

The Dog & Gun and The Malt Shovel are both set to receive £100,000 and £198,000 investment from the Dutch beer giant. The Albion will get a £99,000 boost.

It comes as the group seeks to accelerate the recovery of its venues after being hit heavily by enforced closures at the start of the year and throughout large parts of 2020 due to the pandemic.

The firm said almost 80 pubs will receive “major makeovers” costing up to £400,000 each as part of the programme.

Investment is being particularly directed towards creating premium sites in suburban and high street locations within a 10-minute walk from residential areas as people spend more time at home due to shifts in working habits.

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star, said: “Many people have rediscovered the joy of their neighbourhood pub between lockdowns over the last year, and are opting to stay local.

“This investment responds to that demand, giving communities quality pubs on their doorsteps.

“The pandemic has shown the resilience of the great British pub and especially the leased and tenanted model.

“We’re committed to building on that support with refurbishments, so that pubs around the country thrive for the long-term.”

On its website, Star says: “The Dog & Gun is a well-known community pub in Apperley Bridge. We are now planning an investment of over £100,000 in this pub to give it a new lease of life to attract a wider customer base.

“This investment will cover all trading areas of the pub and will include new flooring, furniture and decorative features. We will add brand new signage to the pub along with new garden furniture.”

On the Malt Shovel, it adds: “Over 5,000 adults live within walking distance to the pub and it is well known locally.

“We are now planning a significant investment of over £198,000 to help The Malt Shovel meet its true potential.

“With the addition of a new catering kitchen, the pub will be repositioned in the market as a premium community pub that offers quality food for a fair price. A focus on a premium Sunday lunch offer will be key for trade.

“All trading areas of the pub will be refurbished, including the large beer garden.”

For The Albion, Star said: “We are now planning a £99,000 investment at the pub.

“With over 1,000 adults within a ten minute walk from the pub, this is the perfect location for a premium local.

“The pub is a two-room operation, split into the classic lounge & taproom format. Our investment will see the pub fully redecorated, including new flooring and lighting.”

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