Liberation Group expands managed pubs portfolio in Q1

Pub operator Liberation Group has revealed that for the 12 weeks to 22 April, its portfolio of managed pubs increased by 4.7% like-for-like in the UK, while food and drink increased by 4.4% and 2.8% respectively. 

While accommodation saw a rise of 13.9% among the group’s managed pubs, its estate in the Channel Islands took a 4.6% like-for-like hit due to local trading issues in selected sites.  

However, on 16 December 2022, the group also completed its integration of Cirrus Inns into its Butcombe Pubs and Inns business, reporting an “encouraging” start to the new financial year. 

According to the group, its outlook for the rest of 2023 remains “uncertain” due to high inflation rates, rising interest rates and the impact on consumers’ disposable income. 

This is despite the operator being “cautiously encouraged” by the start of the year after targeted investments have already started. 

Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Liberation Group, said: “We delivered a strong year of trading last year across pubs and drinks in all markets, culminating in a strong Christmas. We are encouraged by the start we have made this year, despite weather in the spring that has frequently felt like winter. 

“Our investment into external areas over the last few years puts us in a strong position to capitalise on the sun when it finally arrives.”