The 1,333-strong firm also reported a 2.9% rise in like in like-for-like sales in the 31 weeks to 3 May, with growth of 10.5% in the five weeks since the period end.
The trading update, which covered the 26 weeks ending 29 March 2025, also revealed total revenue was stable at £427.4m despite about £50m of disposals in the 2024 financial year.
Moreover, like-for-like sales grew in the first half of the 2025 financial year by 1.3%, reflecting the timing of Easter and Mother’s Day, which fell in the first half of 2024 and second in 2025.
Mother’s Day in particular saw sales up 17% and drinks up 22% on last year with approximately 60,000 roasts sold and 6% more bottles of fizz than the previous year.
Pub format rollout
Carlsberg, Carling and Guinness were the company’s best-selling pints with more than 9m sold in the first half of the year.
Capital expenditure increased from £21.7m to £31m, which aligned with the group’s growth priorities.
Furthermore, the update stated the pub format rollout was progressing well and of the 30 new openings planned for the 2025 financial year, 18 had been delivered on time and on budget.
The business also said demand-driving events delivered enhanced customer engagement.
Marston’s PLC CEO Justin Platt described the first half has a “period of significant momentum” for the business.
Strong recent trading
He added: “With the execution of a market-leading pub operating model, investment in our differentiated pub formats and progress in our digital transformation driving strong margin and profit growth.
“Through our impactful calendar of demand-driving events and the dedication of our passionate, local teams, we continue to deliver great guest experiences every day, powering our industry-leading guest reputation scores.
“With strong recent trading across our nationwide estate of great local pubs, we are excite for the summer months ahead.
“We remain confident in achieving our financial goals for the full year and focused on executing our strategy as a pure play hospitality company to deliver sustainable growth and increasing returns for our shareholders.”
