The pub company and brewer, which operates over 1,600 managed pubs and 166 pubs across London, said the investment reflects its commitment to enhancing customer experience and protecting key community and heritage venues across the capital.
‘113% rise in covers’
Investments include a £1m renovation of the Railway on Liverpool Street, which first opened in 1736. The refurbishment introduced new decor, upgraded furniture, improved accessibility, and modernised private rooms for meetings and events. Greene King reported a 113% increase in covers since the site’s reopening earlier this year.
The City of Quebec in Marylebone – recognised as London’s oldest LGBTQIA+ venue – also reopened in June following a full refurbishment. The venue has seen strong post-refurbishment performance, with a 77% rise in booked covers.
Key social pillars
Greene King pubs’ MD Zoe Bowley said: “We’re proud to play our part in offering top-tier customer experiences in pubs that are rich in heritage. Many of our sites are considered key landmarks of the city and have become popular tourist attractions, in addition to being key social pillars that serve their local communities day in and day out.”
She added that the investment programme has demonstrated the value of refurbishing and reinvigorating established venues.
“The success of our investment activity in the capital highlights the value in protecting our pubs and giving them a new lease of life. This helps us to attract and engage customers and adapt to changing consumer needs, providing stylish, modern facilities and updated menus while staying true to the unique charm each pub holds.”
A further five London pubs are due to undergo refurbishments before the festive trading period, bringing the total to 19 investments across the capital in 2025.
These include: the Adam & Eve in St James; the Mason Arms in Mayfair; the Earls Court Tavern; the Bayswater Arms; and the Two Brewers in Covent Garden, which will reopen to the public on Friday (7 November) following a month-long renovation.
In August, the group’s leased, tenanted and franchise division, Greene King Pub Partners, announced its biggest annual investment in recent years, stating that it was on track to invest £27m into its pub estate in 2025.
Funds were used to support businesses by refurbishing and transforming leased, tenanted and franchise pubs, including internal and external refurbishments as well as transformational developments designed to help Greene King’s Pub Partner’s grow their pub businesses.
