05-05-2025
How Heineken UK revived two beloved Glasgow pubs
Heineken UK is set to invest £4.5m in Scottish bars this year, with two beloved venues already benefiting from the boost.
The New Rhindsdale Tavern at Baillieston reopened last October, thanks to a cash boost.
At the heart of the East End community, this boozer serves cocktails, dishes and organises events for residents, such as pub quizzes and holiday celebrations.
Van Winkle on Sandyford Place is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment to transform into Gael & Grain, a new pub celebrating Scottish food, drink and music.
After the £275,000 upgrade, the new venue is expected to welcome punters again in May.
Both of these projects are part of Heineken UK's mission to boost economic growth by investing in revamping and reopening pubs in its Star Pubs division.
A few of their other accomplishments in the last six months include The Howard Arms in Kilmarnock, The Scoonie Tavern in Leven and The Station Inn at Braidwood.
(Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Mark F Gibson) (Image: Supplied)
READ MORE: Iconic Glasgow bar to close for £275,000 transformation
Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs' managing director said: 'We've invested over £1.28m in reopening four long-term closed pubs in Scotland in the last six months alone and they've all had a terrific response from local residents.
"Even with pressures on disposable income, people are still prioritising a trip to their local, valuing it as an everyday treat and as a way of connecting with their community. But they want to be guaranteed a quality experience: relaxing in an attractive setting is an important factor when pubgoers choose where to spend their money.
'The vast majority of our pubs are leased by independent operators who run them as their own. Investing in them keeps alive, the tradition of individual locals, each with its own unique feel and serving the particular needs of its community.
'Star Pubs' licensees in Scotland employ some 2,500 people, support many Scottish suppliers and raise thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes every year.
"Pubs are the lifeblood of their communities and growth engines for the UK economy however, they are being penalised by a disproportionate tax burden, which we hope will be addressed.'
