Butcombe sees 7.8% rise in FY24 revenues

Butcombe Group, a privately owned premium pub operator and brewing group, has reported that its full-year LFL revenues were up by 7.8%, including 23% LFL across the two week Christmas period.

For the year ended 25 January 2025, its standout performance was in food at 12% growth, with both accommodation and drink growing by 4% and 5% respectively.

The group stated that food continues to be at the “core” of its strategy with a number of new dishes such as its breakfast bap and buttermilk waffles driving a 30% increase in LFL food sales for mornings.

With the continued focus on providing multi-functional sites, Butcombe has also seen a 38% growth in the number of events and meetings. The group stated that its continued investment into events and occasions has paid off with growing demand for weddings, celebrations, shoots and business meetings.

Meanwhile, its loyalty club has also recorded YoY growth in loyalty customers of 21%.

Additionally, the brewing and drinks business has seen growth in sales and profitability across both On and Off Trade channels, led by UK Free Trade with growth of over 8% vs last year.

Butcombe’s London pubs have all shown significant growth of 27% with all sites performing well and strong returns being achieved following investments at Punch Bowl, Brown Cow and The Fulham Arms which have combined with new menus and drinks ranging including enhanced selections on wine.

Furthermore, the roll-out of the group’s premium Butcombe Boutique Inns, has progressed to plan, with six pubs now launched into Butcombe Boutique Inns with four sites under investment, The Methuen Arms, Corsham, The Lion at Winchcombe, The Castle Inn, West Lulworth and The White Horse, Chilgrove which will all move into Butcombe Boutique Inns when they reopen over the next few months.

Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Liberation Group, said: ‘’These strong results are a testament to our amazing teams and to our ever-evolving strategy that places customers at the heart of what we do. In our Managed Pubs business, we are redefining what the pub can and needs to be in order to be successful and viable in the years ahead.

“Still retaining the unique essence of a local pub, but also developing the offer and maximising the amenity to capture new markets such as mornings, weddings and business meetings and in turn welcome new customers with new reasons to visit our great pubs and inns. Likewise in our brewing and drinks business we continue to be delighted by the strength of established and much-loved beers such as Butcombe Original, whilst also innovating and responding to consumer needs with the development of Tall Tales Zero Pale Ale, our second low and no.’’