Brewer Liberation toasts strong first half trading
Brewer and operator Liberation, which owns Butcombe Brewing Co and has dozens of pubs across the south west and a presence in London, said it had a strong first half with like-for-like (LFL) sales up 6.4%.
Food sales was a standout in the six months to July 27, with a rise of 10%, while accommodation also performed well.
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The Butcombe brewing and drinks business performance has also continued to grow, the company said, with sales up 1% compared to last year and an excellent performance in the UK Free Trade market with sales up 8.5% year-on-year.
Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Liberation Group, told investors: "I'm pleased that we have maintained our strong start to the year, despite the challenges posed by an unseasonally wet summer so far.
"We have a simple strategy and clear plan for growth across our group and it is particularly satisfying to see strong performances in key areas of focus including our newest pubs, food (particularly in breakfast and brunch), accommodation and our Free Trade business.
"We are confident about the second half of the year, particularly if the sun shines, and are already turning our thoughts towards providing a truly memorable Christmas for our customers."
The group noted that it had completed three significant renovation developments in the last quarter, including the Langford Inn in Bristol, and in London, following the recent refurbishment of The Fulham Arms, The Brown Cow in Fulham had now also been refurbished and re-opened with a new all-day food offering.
The performance and growth of the Butcombe’s award-winning non-alcoholic IPA, Goram IPA Zero, across all channels had led to an increase in the number of managed pubs now selling it in draught, including in London, the firm added.
Jersey-based Liberation Group consists of over 130 pubs and inns with over 400 rooms, stretching from Mayfair to St.Aubin on the Channel island and employs over 1,800 people.
