Butcombe Group enjoyed an “exceptionally resilient” first half year of trading in 2026 — to 1st August — despite challenging conditions.
Following consecutive years of sector-leading growth, the group delivered a 5.2% increase in like-for-like sales across its managed pub division.
Alongside the retail performance, the business earned prominent industry accolades across the period. It was named best pub employer at The Publican Awards and earned recognition in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 list.
While a limited number of sports-orientated pubs delivered some standout performances during the World Cup, the tournament had a limited impact on the wider group. Of greater importance has been the warm spring and summer, with the UK managed pub division delivering 11.5% like-for-like growth in the four weeks to 1st August.
Strategic reinvestment in the estate remained a central driver of growth. Three major redevelopments — The Brown Cow in Fulham, The Mayflower in Lymington, and The Dundas Arms in Kintbury — were completed on time and are trading in line with or ahead of expectations. A fourth major development is currently under way at The Methuen Arms in Corsham.
The Butcombe Brewing Co and drinks business has continued to grow with an especially strong performance in the UK free trade. It grew 7%, with product innovation, such as an upcoming collaboration with Hawkstone, expected to drive further listings and rate of sale in the free trade in the second half of the year.
In the off-trade, revenue surged by 11%, driven in part by significant listing growth of both Butcombe Original, since the product’s format extension to cans, and Goram Zero, Butcombe’s award-winning low-alcohol beer, which is set to enter 200 M&S stores.
“I’m particularly encouraged given that these results have been delivered under trying conditions due to both our own government’s policies and global macroeconomic factors,” said chief executive Jonathan Lawson. “I am now on the sixth prime minister since I joined Butcombe in 2019, and my request has not changed for Andy Burnham versus any of his predecessors.
“We need to see a clear plan for growth in the economy, and the government needs to see hospitality as a provider of growth for the country, not a cash cow for taxation with a disproportionate cost base, which deters investment and employment.
“As a business, we are optimistic for the second half of the year, with strong early bookings for Christmas. We are also now well into planning for next year and a continuation of our multi-year growth trajectory with new sites playing a part in that growth.
“The new prime minster has the ability to assist this growth for us and the sector if he delivers on his promises and recognises the economic engine hospitality can be.”
