The pre-close update also revealed like-for-like sales were up by 5.1% in the 12 weeks to 20 July 2025, against the same period last year while year-to-date like-for-like sales also increased by 5.1%.
In the year-to-date, JDW has opened three pubs and sold nine, meaning it currently operates 794 sites.
Furthermore, five new franchised pubs have opened in the year-to-date, bringing the total to eight.
Eight freehold reversions, where JDW was previously the tenant, have been acquired in the year-to-date, at a total cost of £19m.
JDW chairman Tim Martin said: “The company has benefitted from favourable weather in the fourth quarter so profits are anticipated to be in line with market expectations, notwithstanding the high tax and labour increases for the hospitality industry, which have been widely reported.
Martin outlined the company’s plans going forward in terms of investment and estate growth.
Business investment
“In the next financial year, as well as investing in areas such as staff rooms, glass racks for ‘branded’ glasses and gardens, the company plans to open approximately 15 new managed pubs and about the same number of franchised pubs,” he said.
Moreover, the pub company boss also highlighted how various products have performed in recent months.
Martin added: “Sales volumes, which were very slow post-pandemic, have recently overtaken pre-pandemic levels.
“Wine, for example, has shown strong growth, with Villa Maria from New Zealand and Prosecco from Italy both shooting the lights out.
“Spirits have improved in recent months and whisky volumes are significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
“Draught volumes are performing slowly with Guinness being the standout performer.
“On the food front breakfasts, terribly slow post-pandemic, have recovered their lustre and are now well ahead.
“Chicken also, has put in a clucking good performance and volumes in recent weeks are up by about 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.”
Estate news
Earlier this month (July), JDW opened a new pub after spending £3m developing the site.
The new venue, Walham Green on Fulham Road, close to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium, created 90 new jobs.
Following this, the company identified a number of sites for disposal.
The six sites were being considered for sale either individually, in small packages or as a portfolio.
The pubs up for sale:
- Babington Arms, Derby - two-story terrace building
- William Jameson, Sunderland - ground floor pub with basement
- Water Gate, Barnstable - end of terrace building on ground and two upper floor levels
- Baxter’s Court, Hackney - three story building
- Grey Friar, Preston - occupies ground floor and part of the first floor of a detached, two storey property
- Kentish Drovers, Peckham - occupies ground floor and basement of a four storey building
