Marston’s has reported strong revenue and profit before tax growth for the 26 weeks ending on March 31. Underlying revenue was up 20% to £528.1m, the company reported, with an 8% rise in profit before tax to £36.3m.

Marston's logoThe Charles Wells Brewery acquisition helped strong organic growth in the brewing division, with 23% market share growth in cask ale and a 24% rise in premium packaged ale.

Chief executive, Ralph Findlay, said: “We are pleased to report another period of good growth in revenue and underlying profit before tax. Strong trading in brewing and taverns and leased pubs offsets the adverse impact of poor weather on ‘drive-to’ pubs in our destination estate, further validating the resilience of our model.

“We have made modest and prudent adjustments to our capital plans to reflect the current economic and consumer climate. However, Marston’s is a balanced business and we are confident that the medium-term outlook for the eating-out and wet-led pub sectors remains good, and that targeting an increased profitable share of a growing market through an unremitting focus on quality, service, standards and value for money remains key.”