Young’s posts strong festive sales and plans Main Market move
Year-to-date managed revenue like-for-like growth now stands at 5.4%, building on momentum reported in the group’s interim results in November
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Young’s has reported strong festive trading, with double-digit like-for-like sales growth over Christmas and the New Year, as the pub operator also announced plans to move its listing to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
In a trading update covering the 14 weeks to 5 January 2026, Young’s like-for-like sales rose 11.2% over the three weeks to 5 January, against a strong prior-year comparison.
Trading was particularly robust on key dates including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, when like-for-like sales increased 12.3%.
The former City Pub estate delivered 26% like-for-like growth over Christmas and Boxing Day, which Young’s said reflected the impact of its integration into the wider Young’s business following its acquisition.
Additionally, total managed revenue for the 14-week period rose 5.6%, or 5.7% on a like-for-like basis. Year-to-date managed revenue like-for-like growth now stands at 5.4%, building on momentum reported in the group’s interim results in November.
Alongside the trading update, Young’s said it intends to apply to the Financial Conduct Authority for its shares to be admitted to the Official List and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
The company expects the move to take place in the second quarter of 2026, at which point its AIM listing would be cancelled.
According to the board, the move reflected the group’s growth in scale and performance and would enhance its corporate profile, while broadening access to UK and international institutional investors.
Admission to the Main Market is not subject to shareholder approval but will require regulatory approval.
Looking ahead, the group remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, ongoing investment in its pubs and returning surplus capital to shareholders where appropriate.
Simon Dodd, chief executive of Young’s, said: “We are delighted with the outstanding trading performance in our pubs over the festive period. Once again, this demonstrates the ongoing appeal of our premium, well-invested offer and another amazing contribution from the talented and hard-working team at Young’s. During the six weeks of the festive period, we recorded our highest ever sales in one day, setting multiple daily and weekly records across our estate.”
