For the year ended 25 January the group reported a 7.8% rise in total like-for-like managed sales, with 12% growth for food alongside a 4% and 5% increase in accommodation and drink sales respectively.
The privately-owned pub operator and brewing group, which has sites stretching from Mayfair in London to St Aubin in Jersey, also recorded a 23% like-for-like uplift across the two Christmas peak weeks against the same period the previous year. Christmas Day saw sales rise by 27%.
Its London sites performed particularly well in the second half of 2024, with like-for-like sales up 27% across the period and investments at the Punch Bowl, Brown Cow and Fulham Arms all cited as having seen “strong returns” on investments, including new menus.
Multi-functional sites
The company, which rebranded from Liberation Group to Butcombe Group last month, said food would continue to be at the “core” of its strategy moving forward.
Its morning offering has proved to be popular with certain dishes, including the ultimate breakfast bap and buttermilk waffles, driving a 30% increase in like-for-like food sales.
Butcombe also said it would be focusing on providing “multi-functional” sites, with a 38% increase in the number of events and meetings across its estate, as well as continuing to provide its traditional pub offer.
Meanwhile the brewing and drinks business also saw growth in sales and profitability year-on-year, led by the free trade, which was up 8% against the previous year, alongside low and now brands.
Strong results
In addition, the roll-out of the group’s premium Butcombe Boutique Inns, has progressed to plan, with six pubs now launched into the brand with four sites under investment.
Butcombe Group CEO Jonathan Lawson said: ‘’These strong results are a testament to our amazing teams and to our ever-evolving strategy that places customers at the heart of what we do.
“In our managed pubs business, we are redefining what the pub can and needs to be in order to be successful and viable in the years ahead.
“Still retaining the unique essence of a local pub, but also developing the offer and maximising the amenity to capture new markets such as mornings, weddings and business meetings and in turn welcome new customers with new reasons to visit our great pubs and inns.
“Likewise in our brewing and drinks business we continue to be delighted by the strength of established and much-loved beers such as Butcombe Original, while also innovating and responding to consumer needs with the development of Tall Tales Zero Pale Ale, our second low and no.’’
