Pub group announces strong results for first six months of year
Pub operator Liberation has enjoyed a strong first half of the year.
The pub operator and brewing group which owns sites across the South West said revenues grew 6.4 per in the first half with a standout performance in food at 10 per cent.
The roll-out of the Group’s premium room offering, Butcombe Boutique Inns, has progressed to plan, with The George Inn and Swan Inn both launching successfully.
Customer feedback and results have been really encouraging, supported by The George Inn recently winning Pub of the Year at the National Pub & Bar awards.
Butcombe Boutique Inns remains on track to have at least eight inns live by the end of the year.
Liberation announced at the start of the year that there was an opportunity for managed pubs to take advantage of the growing demand for breakfast and brunch.
The group has been delighted with the early results, with the pre midday sales seeing 33.9 per cent like for like growth.
Butcombe Pubs & Inns also recently won the prestigious Pub and Bar Catey Award for its food offering.
The group has completed three significant renovation developments in the last quarter, including The Langford Inn where three additional rooms and a new private dining room were added, further reflecting the strategy to focus on accommodation, events and occasions.
The Langford Inn will become a Butcombe Boutique Inn, with The King John Inn following shortly after it has undergone refurbishment this summer.
There will also be a number of further key investments by the end of the year, all due to be launched into Butcombe Boutique Inns.
In London, following the recent refurbishment of The Fulham Arms, The Brown Cow in Fulham has now also had a complete refurbishment and re-opened with a brand-new all-day food offering that has been well received by locals, with initial sales more than doubling compared to the previous year.
On the 27th of August, the iconic Punchbowl in Mayfair will reopen, following a six-week closure and development.
The investment will enhance all three floors to maximise the varied trading opportunities available in this unique pub and location.
The Butcombe Brewing and Drinks business performance has continued to grow, with sales up one per cent versus last year and an excellent performance in the UK Free Trade market with sales up 8.5 per cent year-on-year.
The performance and growth of the Butcombe’s award-winning non-alcoholic IPA, Goram IPA Zero, across all channels has led to an increase in the number of managed pubs now selling it in draught, including in London.
Given the strength of this performance and the continued growth of the low and no alcohol drinks market, Butcombe has launched a second non-alcoholic beer, Tall Tales Pale Ale Zero, with initial feedback being particularly positive.
Butcombe Original has also continued to grow strongly across all channels in a challenging market. Due to its excellent rate of sale and the value placed in it by both publicans and consumers, it has now overtaken Doombar to become the South West’s No.1 cask beer according to the latest CGA data.
Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Liberation Group, said: “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.”
