Brighton Pier Group reports “challenging” conditions for bars

Brighton Pier Group, the Luke Johnson-chaired group, has said it expects pre-tax profits to be c18% lower than expected in the current financial year.

Updating on the six months to 31 December, the group said it had seen flat sales across its bars division over Christmas with trading conditions “challenging across parts of the estate”, and earnings set to fall short of expectations. The Company’s Fez bar in Putney was closed for a full refit at the end of July 2018. The site relaunched as ‘Le Fez’ at the beginning of December and performance since then has been in line with management’s expectations, however the refurbishment works were protracted due to structural issues.

The group also said that the Pier had been hit disappointing weather and disruption to train services to Brighton, which are due to continue into the second half of the year.

The company said its Golf division continued to trade in line with expectations. A new site is due to open at Rushden Lakes in April 2019, bringing the total estate in the Golf division to seven locations. A further site is planned to open in the following financial year at Drake’s Circus in Plymouth.

Chief executive Anne Ackord said: “Whilst I am disappointed at the rail network disruptions currently affecting the Pier, once they are complete, this will be of great benefit to future visitors travelling to the city and consequently to our Brighton businesses.

“Despite these challenges the Company’s Pier, Bars and Golf businesses remain well invested, strongly cash generative and well positioned for future growth.”