Spirits at Marston’s pubs lifted by influx of Christmas diners
PUB and brewing company Marston’s, known for beer brands such as Marston’s Pedigree and Hobgoblin, said comparable sales rose 5.8 per cent at its pubs in the Christmas holiday season.
The company, which operates around 2,150 pubs across England and Wales, said like-for-like sales at its managed pubs in the three weeks ending 5 January was helped by a 10 per cent rise on Christmas Day.
For the 16 weeks to 19 January, the company reported a 1.2 per cent increase in like-for-like sales at its managed pubs as snowfall hit sales in the last week, but said profitability was in line with its expectations.
Heavy snowfall has hit businesses and travellers across Britain threatening an unprecedented triple-dip recession that could knock the government’s economic plans further off track.
However, pub operators have benefited as cash-strapped customers choose to treat themselves to meals at their local pub instead of dining out at restaurants. Marston’s shares fell by around one per cent yesterday.