Like-for-likes sales at Marston’s grew by 1.3% in the 26 weeks to 29th March, reflecting the fact that Easter and Mother’s Day fell in the second half of their year in 2025.
However, like-for-like sales have risen by 2.9% in the 31 weeks to 3rd May, with strong growth of 10.5% in the five weeks since the half-year period end.
Underlying pub operating profit increased by 20.1% to £63.3 million, up from £52.7m in 2024, underpinned by strong operational delivery and strategic cost-saving measures.
An underlying profit before tax of £19m (H1 2024: £0.2 million loss) was driven by “robust revenue performance and operational discipline”.
“The first half has been a period of significant momentum for Marston’s, with the execution of a market-leading pub operating model, investment in our differentiated pub formats, and progress in our digital transformation driving strong margin and profit growth,” said chief executive Justin Platt.
“Through our impactful calendar of demand-driving events and the dedication of our passionate, local teams, we continue to deliver great guest experiences every day, powering our industry-leading guest reputation scores. With strong recent trading across our nationwide estate of great local pubs, we are excited for the summer months ahead.
“We remain confident in achieving our financial goals for the full year and focused on executing our strategy as a pure play hospitality company to deliver sustainable growth and increasing returns for our shareholders.”
Hospitality needs domestic recruitment drive
UKHospitality has commented on the government’s announcement of its immigration white paper. Included are measures to raise the threshold for skilled workers to receive a visa, and increased English language requirements.
“We understand the government’s intention to reduce migration, which comes on the back of additional restraints on hospitality last year,” said UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls.
“When imposing these restrictions, the government has to bring forward an employment and skills strategy to further drive domestic recruitment.
“Hospitality recruits more than three-quarters of its workforce from within the UK, and measures like apprenticeship levy reform, the introduction of foundational apprenticeships, and investment in pre-employment training can allow us to go even further.
“Against a backdrop of £3 billion in additional employment costs hitting hospitality businesses, such a strategy is critical if the government is to achieve its goal of getting more people out of welfare and into work.”
Stonegate Group has seen an increase in demand for low- and no-alcohol beers and ciders, with sales up by 32% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the same period last year.
•Data from Stonegate’s MiXR app has revealed that low- and no-alcohol drinks are in most demand from 25- to 34-year-olds, accounting for 21% of sales, compared to 12% of total draught.
By comparison, young adults aged 18 to 24 only account for 14% of low- and no-alcohol beer sales, yet account for 24% of total draught beer sales.
Stonegate’s research also found that demand for low- and no-alcohol sales peaks on Saturdays, with nearly a quarter of sales taking place in late afternoon and early evening.
Guinness 0% tops the list of best performing low-alcohol beers, closely followed by Heineken 0.0%.
• Dodo Pub Co has acquired The Cross Keys, in Newbury. The venue, which will be renamed The High Horse, is the company’s tenth pub.
