Pub group ready for Rugby World Cup sales boost

The company, which runs 1,415 pubs across the UK, revealed that sales jumped by around a tenth for the past year despite an impact from “wetter weather” in July and August.

It came as the company – whose Hampshire portfolio includes Gosport’ Sailmaker and the Vine Inn at Hambledon - also cut a number of head office jobs in order to help save £5 million amid pressure from rising costs.

Bosses at the company said sales rebounded in recent weeks amid improved weather and resilient consumer spending.

Andrew Andrea, chief executive of the group, said that its Welsh business, which includes Brains pubs it bought in 2020, has been strong as rugby matches have helped trade.

“We’ve seen a particular boost from the rugby at our 200 pubs in Wales,” he said.

“This weekend should be strong across the board too. We’ll expect to do well from the Wales match (quarter-final v Argentina, 4pm, Saturday) and hopefully will see people at those pubs stay to watch the Ireland-All Blacks game after.

“Hopefully we will see similar in England too on Sunday, and it is particularly good given there are no Premier League football matches on.”

England face Fiji in the World Cup quarter final at 4pm on Sunday, followed by France v South Africa at 8pm.

Marston’s told shareholders this week that like-for-like sales have risen by 12% over the five weeks of the Rugby World Cup to date, with rises in both food and drink sales.

It comes after a 10.1% rise in like-for-like sales over the year to September 30.

The company said “customer demand remains encouraging” despite pressure on household budgets.

Julie Palmer, partner at Begbies Traynor, said: “Marston’s performance confirms the health of the larger pub companies, many of which have reported similar uplifts helped by the glut of televised sporting events.

“Despite the wet weather which weakened drinks sales over the summer, Marston’s focus on affordable pubs in suburban areas shows they remain appealing to consumers amid the cost-of-living crisis, as seen in a strong like-for-like revenue increase across the year.

“This strategy, combined with successfully reducing and fixing costs, and building out their franchise model, positions Marston’s well to emerge stronger from the headwinds currently facing the hospitality industry.”

Wetherspoons, which runs 826 pubs across the UK, recently reported a boost, with total sales rising by 10.6% to £1.92 billion for the year to July 30.

Like-for-like sales grew by 12.7% year-on-year, as it benefitted from a significant rise in food sales, which increased by 17.7%.

Meanwhile, bar sales increased by 9%, its hotel business witnessed an 11.8% rise and there was a 26.4% increase in sales through slot and fruit machines.