Peach, the Oxfordshire-based multiple pub operator, says it’s looking to secure one or two more new sites this year as it reports a 7.1% rise in like-for-like sales in December.
The firm said it took a record £600,000 in its last full trading week before Christmas (16-22 December).
Peach co-founder Hamish Stoddart said: “The majority of our pubs were at 10% like-for-likes in December, although we got battered in a couple.”
“Outside of London in market towns where many of our pubs are, it’s been brutally hard and yet we finished on plan for the year with a strong second half.”
He said that among Peach’s star performers were the Fishes in North Hinksey, Oxford, which was up 25% in December, and the Rose and Crown in Warwick, which had its biggest week ever in December at £50,000.
“New pubs in the Peach fold are also doing well. The Chequers in Eversley Cross, Hampshire had a sterling year and is a good example of what we can do in partnership with pubcos and property owners and we’ll be sharing the results of that success through our turnover rent with Spirit.
“We also work with Spirit at The Old Mill in Berkhamsted and that pub did a 21% increase last year after we invested in a major refurbishment of its canal-side site.
“Christmas was done just a little better again through more control on-line and a concerted push from the autumn onwards. We’re in good shape for 2014, with one opening lined up as well as two major refurbishments as we invest in developing our own places.
“We’re also looking for one or two more new sites this year, as well as more talented people and partners to join us.”
