Today’s news in brief – 15/01/25

Some 27,951 venues closed their doors between March 2020 and September 2024 at a rate of 119 per week, according to data from CGA. However, 12,767 have opened during that time, either in vacated premises or in converted or new-build sites. The net result is that the estate of licensed premises has shrunk by 13% in four years, but 13% of today’s sector is occupied by venues that have opened during that time.

Mitchells and Butlers has seen a like-for-like sales growth of 3.9% in Q1. Over the core three-week Christmas period, sales increased 10.4%, a figure built on “numerous record sales performances through the estate and the brand portfolio”. The group said that sales remained “well ahead” of the market, despite the impact of very cold and stormy weather. 

Fuller’s has reported like-for-like sales growth of 10.2% over Christmas and New Year. It comes as like-for-like sales rose 5.9% during the 41-week period to 11 January 2025, which continues the pub group’s “strong momentum and market outperformance”. Fuller’s also revealed that it has a number of “major” projects planned for the final quarter. 

Boxpark will be launching Playbox, a new immersive social gaming experience, at its Croydon site in February. Spanning approximately 3,500 sq ft, visitors can expect a mix of interactive games and classic entertainment. Boxpark has successfully launched two new sites in 2024 including Boxpark Camden and Boxpark Liverpool.