Marston’s achieved like-for-like sales growth of 8.1% for the 16-week period to 20 January 2024, reflecting strong trading over the festive period.
For the key festive days, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, like-for-like sales were up 9.6%.
Total retail sales in the group’s managed and franchised pubs for the 16-week period were up 8.8% on last year.
Both food and drink sales have been strong, which Marston’s said demonstrates the resilience and appeal of its predominantly suburban pubs.
Like-for-like sales in the first nine weeks of the 16-week period to 2 December 2023 were +7.4%.
In the following seven weeks, like-for-like sales were +8.4%.
Justin Platt, CEO of Marston’s, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong trading performance with like-for-likes up 8.4% over the festive period. It has been an encouraging start to the year. This, together with an improving outlook in which inflationary headwinds are broadly abating, and the actions we are taking to operate more efficiently and rebuild margins, position Marston’s well for the year ahead.”
“I am delighted to have joined Marston’s and am excited about the opportunity ahead. This is a great business and, whilst still early days, I’ve been impressed by the dedication, talent and expertise of the team. I look forward to getting to know both the team, and the business, better over the weeks and months ahead and working together to build on the trading momentum to maximise the group’s future potential.”
