Results, finance, appointments, capital schemes, and more. News in brief from brewers, venue owners, and other hospitality businesses
Marston’s saw strong trading during the World Cup, with England matchdays delivering like-for-like sales growth of 22%. New-format Grandstand pubs saw sales up 170% year on year.
Year-to-date like-for-like sales are 1.6% lower than last year, with softer off-peak market conditions offsetting strong growth in peak occasions. The board remains focused on investing in the successful new pub formats, which are already driving significant like-for-like revenue growth and returns.
“Our pubs have delivered a strong start to the summer, with an excellent World Cup once again underlining the enduring role of the community pub as the place the nation comes together to cheer the moments that matter,” said Marston’s chief executive Justin Platt.
“Supported by a clear strategy, disciplined cost control, and continued investment in our new formats, we are well positioned for the summer trading period ahead. Given this, as well as our progress on leverage reduction, the group is well placed to recommence shareholder returns in FY2027.”
• Christie & Co has reported strong transactional momentum across the pub and restaurant property market in the first half of 2026. In the first six months of 2026, it was instructed to sell more than 330 properties, completed 797 viewings, and agreed 153 deals. Compared with the same period in 2025, viewing activity increased by 7.3%, while agreed deals rose by 57.7%.
The increase in agreed transactions has also translated into stronger completion values. Average freehold completion prices increased by over £127,000, while average leasehold completion prices rose by almost £40,000 compared with the first half of 2025.
“Given the backdrop of ongoing economic pressures, these figures are encouraging,” said Stephen Owens, managing director, pubs and restaurants, at Christie & Co.
• Okell’s has strengthened its senior leadership team with a series of key appointments. Following a restructure earlier this year, with Ollie Neale leading as managing director of Okell’s Inns and Brewery, the business has welcomed three highly experienced industry leaders.
Andy McCulloch has joined from Marston’s to lead the transition of 22 Isle of Man pubs to the company’s new managed operator model. Rohan Aldcroft, formerly of Oakman Group and Upham Inns, has been appointed to lead Okell’s Heritage division, overseeing the company’s remaining managed pubs. And, joining from Heineken and Big Penny Social, Frank Maguire will lead Okell’s commercial and brewing operations.
• The Government’s withdrawal of an updated tipping code of practice less than three months before implementation has left hospitality in limbo, according to UKHospitality.
As part of the Employment Rights Act, the government outlined its intention to strengthen current tipping legislation from 1st October. The changes would require hospitality businesses to consult with staff on their tipping policy.
A draft code of practice was published, outlining the details of how that consultation should be run in practice. But it was unexpectedly withdrawn by the government, with no explanation. UKHospitality is calling for urgent clarity on the status of the draft code of practice.
• Asahi UK saw a 22.6% increase in beer sales in the off-trade during the week ending 27th June. There was a 15% rise in the on-trade. Asahi Super Dry and Peroni Nastro Azzurro have been leading the way.
The recent heatwaves have created the strongest trading environment so far this year, driving double-digit growth versus a year ago.
“The sales increases we’ve seen underline a wider customer trend we’ve seen for years,” said Rob Hobart, marketing director at Asahi UK. “Whether they’re in a pub, bar, or at home, customers are drinking less, but are more willing to trade up to a premium option when they do.
“As the [World Cup] tournament reaches its climax, we expect to see this becoming even more prevalent, with premium brands growing in share.”
• New data from Adyen — the global payment processing platform — showed that uring the four-hour football match window between 6:30pm and 10:30pm last night, bars saw a 175% increase in volume and a 229% increase in transactions, compared to non-matchday Wednesday 10th June. Coventry saw the biggest rise in bar spend at 694.8%.
• Valiant Pub Group has reached 100 venues with the acquisition of The Griffin Inn, in Oswestry. Valiant is to make a significant investment in the property.
• Priyanka Georgy, who runs The Green Man Inn, in Woodbridge, Suffolk, has taken on a second pub, The Wagon, in Sudbury.
