Butcombe Group has reported growing momentum in Q3 after strong summer trading, a standout performance for the drinks division, and further investment in premium accommodation.
Highlights for the period to 31st October, 2026, include:
- Managed like-for-like growth of 8.1% in Q3, with year-to-date LFLs progressing to 6.1%, up from 5.2% recorded at the end of H1;
- Growth across all three managed pub operational categories was achieved to the end of Q3, with year to date LFLSs up across food (5.9%), drink (6.6%), and accommodation (5.2%);
- Outstanding regional performance in London, delivering year to date LFL growth of 12.4%, following successful investment in The Brown Cow and The Cross Keys;
- Butcombe Boutique Inns maintaining strong trading at 6.6% LFL, with further investment set to raise total number of BBI sites to 13; and
- UK drinks division delivering a standout performance of 7.9% ahead of last year, supported by UK free trade (7.4%) and UK off-trade (9.9%).
Looking ahead, the group remains confident about trading in the fourth quarter, particularly within the managed pub division, where early Christmas bookings are running ahead of the same point last year.
“Our third quarter performance demonstrates the growing momentum across all areas of the business, building on a resilient half year,” said Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Butcombe Group.
“The investment we have made into our estate, particularly across our premium accommodation, London sites, and dedicated event spaces like the new Dovecote Barn, is delivering clear returns and meeting the evolving needs of our guests.
“Our team deserve enormous credit for ensuring that we are on track for another successful year. The consumer environment is not an easy one, and our people are key to ensuring that we deliver the highest standards of service and value for money, which ultimately drives loyalty and keeps us winning within the markets that we operate.”
He added: “Despite words of support, we are yet to see actions from the government that recognise the cost of doing business or encourage us to invest and grow. Our continued growth and investment, with the support of Caledonia, is very much in spite of successive governments, and we are still waiting for a robust plan for growth and an environment within which business and hospitality can thrive and contribute to GDP growth.
“We remain confident in our outlook, buoyed by encouraging level of Christmas bookings that are currently pacing ahead of last year, while the growth from our strategic focuses on premium accommodation, events, and our drinks division puts us is in an excellent position heading into 2027.”
