The business that operates brands All Bar One, Nicholson’s, Sizzling Pubs and Toby Carvery, made the announcement in a trading update covering the third quarter of its current financial year ended 19 July 2025.
M& B said: “Building on a strong performance through the first half, sales growth has remained well ahead of the market (according to CGA Business Tracker data) through the third quarter, benefiting from Easter and recent sunny weather to increase like-for-like (lfl) sales growth for the year to date to 4.5%.”
The 4.5% total boost in lfl sales in the year to date marked a rise to 5.0% for the third quarter alone, with lfl sales lifts of 3.9% and 4.7% in the company’s first and second quarters respectively.
The 42-week period has seen lfl food sales grow by 4.2% and drink sales up 4.5%. M&B added total sales in the year to date have increased by 4.4%.
New sites opened
M&B added: “So far this year, we have completed 150 conversions and remodels and have opened two new sites, in addition to the purchase of two freehold interests in existing sites and the continued roll out of initiatives to reduce energy usage, such as solar panels and sensors.”
On banking facilities, the business said it has successfully refinanced its unsecured debt facility with the new revolving credit facility (RCF) being reduced in size to £150m (from £200m), extending it to July 2028, and is based on the same covenant structure at lower margins. The facility is undrawn at the current time.
On the future, M&B stated: “Despite well publicised cost inflation challenges facing the sector, we remain encouraged by the continued strong performance of the business, which remains well ahead of the market.
“We are confident this will lead to an outturn result for the current year at the top end of consensus expectations.”
Remain focused
M&B CEO Phil Urban added: “The business continues to perform strongly, enabling us to meet the cost challenges facing the sector with confidence.
“We will remain focused on our Ignite programme of initiatives and our successful capital investment programme, driving cost efficiencies and increasing sales.
“With the unique strengths of our business, including a diverse portfolio of established brands, value proposition and enviable estate locations, we believe we are positioned to continue to grow profitability and market share.”
M&B, which also operates Premium Country Pubs, Vintage Inns, O’Neill’s and Ember Inns, was a winner at The Publican Awards earlier this year in the Best Sustainable Pub Company category when it stated its ambitions to further work on eco-credentials.
