Like-for-like sales at Mitchells & Butlers for the 11-week period to July 28 grew by 0.9%, with very strong performances in the wet-led estate.

This was offset against more challenging conditions in food-led businesses, the company says today, reflecting the impact of the World Cup and sustained sunny weather.

Mitchells & ButlersTotal sales have increased by 0.4% in the year to date, during which time the company has opened five new sites and 228 conversions and remodels were completed.

Chief executive, Phil Urban, said: “Sales performance since the half year was impacted by England’s prolonged success in the World Cup and the sustained hot weather.

“Trading was polarised across the company, with the wet-led part of the business delivering very strong growth, but some of the more food-led formats, particularly the carvery businesses, were negatively impacted.

“However, we have been encouraged to see sales recover now that the World Cup has finished, and as we continue on our longer-term journey.”

He added: “We remain confident of delivering a full year performance in line with the board’s expectations. The second wave of transformation activity is beginning to bear fruit, and momentum behind this programme of work continues to grow.”