Furthermore, like-for-like sales for the 15 weeks to 12 July 2025 rose 2.9%, which was in line with expectations.
This delivered a strong prior year comparator, which included the Euro 2024 Championships. Excluding the prior year impact of England match days, like-for-like sales were up 4%.
Moreover, like-for-like sales improved on the first half of the year, now standing at 2% year-to-date.
October last year saw Marston’s unveil differentiated formats as part of its aim to be a “pure play hospitality business”.
These include locals, locals sports, adult dining, family and two-room pubs.
While April saw the group unveil its locals sports concept - Grandstand, Marston’s announced the launch of its family pub concept Woodie’s earlier this month (July).
There are plans to open a further five Woodie’s before the end of July were revealed, which it said put them group on track to exceed its target of 30 new format refurbishments ahead of the year end.
The business expects Q4 to see strong trading, which is set to be supported by a pipeline of demand-driving events, the continued rollout of order & pay alongside ongoing revenue management initiatives.
Capital expenditure is predicted to total about £60m, in line with guidance, following investment in estate development, digital transformation and guest experience, the business stated.
Marston’s CEO Justin Platt said: “We’re excited about the momentum we’re building throughout the business with our performance enhanced by a strong pipeline of demand-driving events, continued growth from order & pay, and our ongoing revenue management initiatives.
“We’ve made excellent progress against our strategic priorities so far this year, delivering improved margin performance, strong cash generation and the roll-out of our new pub formats.
“The momentum and our disciplined execution across the business gives us great confidence for the future and we remain firmly on-track to deliver full-year market expectations.”
