Pub group and brewery Marston’s has said that it is “encouraged” by its performance in the financial year to date, including good trading over the Christmas and New Year period.
Ahead of its AGM today, the group said that profitability is in-line with expectations, with like-for-like sales at its managed and franchise pub divisions up 3.0% on last year.

In its premium and destination pubs, like-for-like sales were 4.1% up, including like-for-like food sales growth of 5.6% and wet like-for-like sales growth of 2.2%. In the key three-week Christmas trading period to 4th January trading was strong with growth of 3.3%, following 5.8% growth in the corresponding period last year.

In brewing, although volumes are just below last year, continued growth in premium ales has benefited operating margins, resulting in profits being slightly ahead.

Meanwhile, the company added that its franchise model was continuing to prove successful.
Commenting, Ralph Findlay, chief executive, said: “We traded well over the Christmas period as customers responded to our excellent value festive offers, with 55,000 meals served on Christmas Day – a record. Our performance in the first quarter has been good and, encouragingly, we have achieved growth in each of our key trading divisions.  We continue to strive to ensure that our pubs and beers meet the high standards our customers expect and provide outstanding value for money.”