Butcombe sees 9.8% rise in H1 LFL sales

Butcombe Group has reported a 9.8% increase in like-for-like (LFL) sales across its managed pubs division for the six months to 26 July 2025.

The growth, which covers the period from 26 January to 26 July 2025 (H1 2025), was driven by favourable weather and continued strategic investment across the estate, including improvements to outdoor spaces.

Drink LFL sales rose by 13%, followed by food at 8% and accommodation at 4.1%.

In the UK Free Trade channel, the group’s drinks division saw a 6% year-on-year increase. Cask ales “remain robust”, outperforming market expectations despite warmer conditions, while the growth of Goram IPA Zero reflected rising demand for no and low alcohol options. 

The alcohol-free beer now accounts for 5% of total brewing volume, with sales up 71% on last year.

Meanwhile, Butcombe’s food business continued to perform well across the estate, building on double-digit growth in the previous year. 

Additionally, its accommodation arm is also outpacing the wider market, with year-on-year occupancy up by 80 basis points and a year-to-date occupancy rate of 77.8%.

LFL sales at Butcombe Pubs and Inns in the UK rose by 11.9%, building on strong performance in 2024, while the Channel Islands-based Liberation Pubs and Bars recorded 3.9% LFL growth.

The group also reported growth across key trading occasions. Morning sales were up 36.6%, while weddings delivered 76% growth on the previous year, with a strong pipeline for 2026. Record trading days were achieved for both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, up 31% and 11% respectively.

Furthermore, active membership of the group’s loyalty scheme rose by 17.6% over the past year. Butcombe attributed this to targeted investment in data analytics, including customer segmentation to support marketing, offers and promotions.

Looking ahead, the group remains “optimistic” for the second half of the year supported by sustained investments, innovation, and loyalty. 

It also notes the continued weak consumer confidence and would be keen to see government support and stability for the sector. 

Jonathan Lawson, chief executive officer of Butcombe Group, said: “It is great to see such a strong performance for the first half of 2025 despite a challenging trading environment and weak consumer confidence. It’s a testimony to the hard work of the entire team and reflective of our ongoing investment in people, quality, customer experience, and data. We approach the second half of the year with optimism and are confident that we can continue to outperform the market as we have done for a number of years.”