Marston's sales sizzle in June sun

The Wolverhampton-headquartered group saw drinkers flock to pubs in the warm weather in June, helping drive growth in the year-to-date.

Like-for-like sales in its destination and premium division, which include dining-led pubs and premium chains like Pitcher & Piano, are up 1.3 per cent in the 42 weeks to July 22, having slowed to 0.6 per cent in the most recent 12 weeks.

That performance was also reflected in its other divisions, with its drinks-led taverns division 1.9 per cent ahead, with the performance improving to growth of 2.4 per cent in the most recent period because of the warm weather in June.

Leased pubs, deliver a two per cent increase in profits, and volumes in its brewing divisions are four per cent up on last year thanks in part to the recent acquisition of the Charles Wells Brewing and Beer Business.

Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: "We remain encouraged by our continued market outperformance and focused on delivering sustainable growth and maximising return on capital in an evolving market place.

"Our transformed pub estate continues to deliver positive like for like growth across all three divisions. We benefit from an operating structure which spans food-led destination and wet-let community pubs, accommodation and brewing, maintaining a good balance within our brand portfolio and broad consumer appeal.

"The Charles Wells brewing and beer business is bedding in well, further underpinning our leadership in the UK ale market. We are on track to complete our new-build and lodge expansion plans. We remain confident of delivering further profitable progress for the full financial year."

The company also said it expects operating margins in its destination and premium division to clock in slightly below last year, but in line with expectations.

That group plans to open 23 new pub-restaurants and bars and eight lodges in the current financial year.