News / Pubs
Closed Bristol pub among dozens to be reopened by Heineken
A pub in Bristol which was once situated within the heart of a bustling community but which is now in the shadow of a flyover is among one of 60 closed pubs across the UK due to be reopened by Heineken.
The Rose of Denmark, which has been shut for almost a year, is set to benefit from a £39m cash injection by Heineken into its Star Pubs chain.
The pub on Dowry Place in Hotwells will receive a revamp which Star Pubs hope will broaden its use and appeal, giving people additional reasons to visit.
is needed now More than ever
“Subtle zoning will signpost pubgoers to the area likely to suit them best, enabling different groups of customers to simultaneously enjoy a variety of activities – from watching sports to dining – without disturbing each other,” Star Pubs say.
“Dividing screens and distinct changes to lighting, sound systems and furniture styles will help delineate the zones.
“The new designs will have a stylish classic feel, providing longevity. Reflecting customers’ increased expectations, the projects will be carried out to a high standard and will impact every part of the pubs, from the toilets to the gardens.”
Inside the Rose of Denmark in 2018 – photo: Martin Booth
The Rose of Denmark is named after after Alexandra, Princess of Wales, wife of the Prince of Wales who was later to become King Edward VII.
Before the Cumberland Basin road system decimated this corner of Bristol, it was home to a close-knit working class community.
In 1963, an area of Hotwells including the 18th century Assembly Room, three entire streets, shops and five pubs were demolished to make way for the Cumberland Basin bridges scheme.
The Rose of Denmark just survived the historic devastation and Star Pubs could now be looking to the future with hundreds of new homes set to be built and hundreds of new potential customers moving to the area as part of the Western Harbour development.
A 1953 coronation party on Brunswick Place and Caroline Place (both now demolished) with the Rose of Denmark in the background – photo: Bristol Archives
Star Pubs managing director, Lawson Mountstevens, said: “People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local.
“They want great surroundings and food and drink as well as activities that give them an extra reason to go out, such as sports screenings and entertainment.
“Creating fantastic locals that can accommodate a range of occasions meets this need and helps pubs fulfil their role as vital third spaces where communities can come together.
“Pubs have proved their enduring appeal; after all the disruption of recent years, Star is on track to have the lowest number of closed pubs since 2019.
“It’s a tribute to the drive and entrepreneurship of licensees and the importance of continued investment.
“We’ve spent more than £200m upgrading and maintaining our pubs over the last five years, and we’ll continue to invest to keep them open and thriving.
“Time and again we see the value consumers place on having a good local and how important it is to communities.
“Well-invested pubs run by great licensees are here to stay, but like all locals, they need government support to reduce the enormous tax burden they shoulder.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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