Marston’s pub group has seen a “boost” in sales and are set for a weekend of higher sales from the Rugby World Cup.
Marston’s run 1,415 pubs across the UK and sales were up by a tenth over the past 12 months even though in July and August experienced “wetter weather.”
In the year to 30 September like-for-like sales saw a 10,1% rise and “customer demand remains encouraging,” the company said.
Andrew Andrea, chief executive of the group, told the PA news agency 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 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.”
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.”
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