Pub group Wetherspoon saw a 9% rise in revenue for the first half, although it warned that taxation and input costs as well as strong comparisons against last year would prove more difficult in the coming months.

In the 26 weeks ended January like-for-like sales were up 5.2% with operating profit up £55.7 million and pre-tax profit up £37.8 million.

Commenting on the results, Tim Martin, the chairman of J D Wetherspoon plc, said: "The first half of the financial year resulted in a good sales performance and reasonable growth in profits and free cash flow.

“The biggest danger to the pub industry is the continuing tax disparity between supermarkets and pubs. Thanks mainly to the work of Jacques Borel's VAT Club, there is a growing realisation among politicians, the media and the public that a level tax playing field will create more jobs and taxes for the country.

“We expect taxation and input costs to rise and the comparisons against a strong second half result in the last financial year will be more difficult. Despite these factors, the company continues to expect to achieve a reasonable outcome in the current financial year and has a solid platform for future growth."