Marston’s sales jump 8.8% over festive period

Marston’s PLC has reported an 8.8% sales increase in the group’s managed and franchised pubs for the 16-week period to 20 January 2024. 

Both drink sales and food sales have been “strong”, a result which the pub company said demonstrates “the resilience and appeal of our predominantly suburban pubs”. 

Like-for-like sales for the 16-week period to 20 January 2024 were 8.1%, reflecting strong trading over the festive period. Like-for-like sales in the first nine weeks of the 16-week period to 2 December 2023 were 7.4%, with positive trading momentum continuing into the festive period. In the following seven weeks, like-for-like sales were 8.4%.

For the key festive days (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve), like-for-like sales were up 9.6%. 

All sales comparisons are compared to the same period in FY2023.

Justin Platt, CEO of Marston’s, said: “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.”