JW Lees + Startle.

Soundtracks for cosy pubs or bustling beer gardens.

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About JW Lees.

Founded in 1828, JW Lees is a family-run brewery and pub company based in Manchester, with roots stretching back nearly two centuries. Operating over 130 pubs, inns and hotels across the North West of England and North Wales, they're known for pairing quality cask ales with genuine northern hospitality.

From their flagship Bitter - still brewed at the same Middleton site where it all began - to a growing range of craft and seasonal beers, JW Lees balances a deep respect for tradition with a forward-looking approach to brewing and the pub experience.

The backstory.

JW Lees came to Startle looking for a way to manage the music in their pubs that was both flexible and cost-effective. For a family business that takes real pride in every pint and every guest interaction, they needed a music library that was varied and a content management platform that was easy to use, so they could set the perfect vibe.

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The Startle solution.

JW Lees partnered with Startle to bring consistency, control and quality to the music experience across their pub estate.

The solution includes:

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    Access to a library of over 100 curated playlists spanning genres, moods and occasions
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    Full scheduling flexibility to match the atmosphere to the time of day and venue type
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    Simple, intuitive controls that put the music firmly in JW Lees' hands
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    Central oversight across the estate without losing the individual character of each pub

Whether it's a relaxed Sunday lunch or a busy Friday night, Startle ensures the soundtrack always fits the moment.

Whether it's a relaxed Sunday lunch or a busy Friday night, Startle ensures the soundtrack always fits the moment.
Give me the Night cover
Solid Air cover
Paul Simon cover
Both Sides Now cover
Reputation cover
Bryter Layter cover
The Story of my Life cover
It'll All Be Over cover
Jode cover
Pink Moon cover
In Between Tears cover
What a Diff'rence a Day Makes cover
Graceland cover
Blue cover

The sound.

The sound at JW Lees focusses on soulful selections and timeless pop classics, creating an atmosphere that feels relaxed, welcoming, and vibrant at just the right moments throughout the day. The music is carefully balanced to support both casual daytime visits and livelier social occasions, helping each space feel warm, familiar, and engaging without ever becoming overpowering.

This sense of authenticity is central to the experience, with recognisable tracks and soulful textures reinforcing the character of the venue and encouraging guests to settle in, stay longer, and connect comfortably with their surroundings.

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Vibe

Warm, Authentic, Approachable

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Average tempo

108 BPM

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Genres

Soul, Classic Pop, Motown, Folk

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Example artists

Jode, George Benson, Joni Mitchell, Ester Phillips, John Martyn, Dusty Springfield, Paul Simon

JW Lees, amplified.

By simplifying the management of music, Startle’s solution allows JW Lees’ teams to take the soundtrack of their pubs into their own hands, creating the perfect atmosphere in a cost-effective way.

The right soundtrack helps to enhance the overall guest experience, encouraging customers to relax, stay longer and return again. We’re so proud to work with them, and can’t wait to see the relationship develop.

More to explore.

Close up of beer tapsPint of IPA next to beer tapTwo men toasting with beer over a pub dinner
View all case studies

Heard enough?

Book your free brand sound discovery call to see how Startle can transform your music and signage across all locations.