Marston’s has reported a profit impact of £1m as a result of the snow-affected fortnight at the end of last year.
Updating on trading for the 16 weeks to 20 January, the group said like-for-like sales were down 0.9% in its Destination & Premium division, but up 1.1% excluding the two snow-hit weeks. Total sales in its managed Destination & Premium arm were up 4.9%.
In its franchised, managed and tenanted Taverns division, like-for-like sales were up 2.6%. The group said the division had benefitted from the performance of franchise-style agreements and an improved drinks range.
In its Leased arms, profit growth in the period was estimated to be 2%.
Marston’s Beer Company saw own-brewed volumes up 33%. In addition to the acquisition of Charles Wells Brewing Business, the group said it was benefiting from distribution gains achieved in 2017 and a stronger brand portfolio well represented in the premium ale, craft beer and ‘world beer’ segments of the market.
Marston’s remains on target to open 15 pub restaurants and bars and six lodges this year. It has opened three pub-restaurants and two lodges in the year to date, including a 104 bed lodge in Ebbsfleet.
Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: “We are pleased with our progress, which included record total retail sales in our pubs of £4m on Christmas Day – 5.4% higher than last year. We continue to achieve growth against tough market conditions and are benefiting from investment in both pubs and brewing. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with a great pub experience and excellent service, as well as delivering value for shareholders, over the year ahead.”
