Peach Pubs sees slight sales rise despite 23k cancellations over Christmas

25-Jan-2022 - Last updated on 25-Jan-2022 at 11:57 GMT

The Boathouse at Boulters Lock in Maidenhead: Peach Pubs sees 'remarkable' effort from its teams and an increase in sales despite mass cancellations

In the five weeks of Christmas and New Year, Peach Pubs was up 3.1% on 2019 with like-for-like sales compared to 2019 increasing by 21% in the six months to 2 January, 26% over the summer, 10% in autumn and 3% at Christmas.

Despite bar trade and large parties down, spend per head was up and during Christmas when the operator averaged 16% above Coffer in pub restaurants, which continued the trend from the summer onwards.

The figures included the benefit of the VAT reduction and reflected the growth of outside dining following investment in the pub gardens.

Peach Pubs managing director Hamish Stoddart said: “In the circumstances, this result is wonderful.

Stand-out result

“Our whole team has been remarkable in the last six months and this stand-out result at Christmas is a real testament to team and suppliers working together to make sure the guests could enjoy our great food and drink in a really difficult period.

"Of course, we do benefit from Londoners working from home in contrast to our city peers. We suffered from 23,000 cancellations, but then had walk-ins of tables of four and six which often replaced big parties.”

The operator did, however, experience issues with staffing as the spread of Omicron caused 10% to 15% isolation amongst its teams.

Stoddart added: “It was the spikes that got us, it wasn't evenly spread. All the team had Christmas Day off as usual. So, happily team and guests got a chance to enjoy the festive season.

"During the year we achieved a Three Star Food Made Good Rating by the Sustainable Restaurant Association and reached 24th place in the rankings of Best Companies to Work For, with another Three Star Accreditation.

New opportunities

“Of course, we faced challenges in recruiting and retaining talent, but with our positive employer reputation, I'm happy to say recruitment pressure is easing just a bit in the last few weeks.”

Peach also saw its portfolio, which includes 20 gastropubs, expand last year with new sites the Drummond at Albury in Surrey, which opened in December 2021, and the Boathouse at Boulters Lock in Maidenhead, Berkshire, which opened for just one day before the first lockdown.

Stoddart said: “We are still growing and have cash ready to invest in new opportunities.

“Our 2022 plans were launched to the team on Monday 17 January, focusing on our mission to be the best gastropub company on the Planet and during the year we hope to find three or four more Peach pubs.”