Punch Pubs launches £1 million investment scheme

Punch Pubs is investing £1 million in its franchise locations ahead of their reopening.

From the 12th April, pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers outside, in beer gardens, terraces and any other outdoor spaces.

To prepare for the change, the pub franchise has launched its ‘Inside|Outside’ programme, which is designed to help franchisees make the most of the new allowances. The scheme will support pub owners to provide a great service for customers while staying safe and adhering to government regulations.

Thanks to the programme, many Punch Pubs that previously would not have been able to open will now have the ability to welcome outdoor diners from next month. According to the company, 70 percent of the network’s pubs - 662 in total - will be open to the public in April.

The investment programme, which is already underway in many locations across the country, will help pub owners adapt their outdoor spaces, ready for the influx of visitors in mid-April. Franchisees have been working with the franchise to develop effective solutions, from new furniture and stretch tents, to festoon lighting, outdoor heating and even cosy huts.

Andy Spencer, Punch Pubs’ Managing Director, said,

“Working together with hundreds of our publicans, we have breathed new life into many of our pub gardens and outdoor spaces, creating safe, warm and welcome environments to give our guests fantastic experiences when we reopen and for the future.

“Like all of our publicans that are able to reopen, we are excited to welcome our customers back in April. However, it remains vitally important to remember that pubs will be operating at a significantly reduced capacity. We need restrictions to continue to be relaxed during the reopening period to ensure the long-term survival of the Great British pub.”