Owner of Cheshire Cat Pubs & Inns, Tim Bird, told The Morning Advertiser (The MA) the award-winning pub group had a “record-breaking” Christmas and new year, with like-for-like sales up 17.8% over the two-week festive period and 13.4% in the six weeks proceeding.
The busiest day across Cheshire Cat’s seven-strong estate was Christmas Eve. However, Bird noted celebrations started earlier than usual, with parties coming in from late November and continuing after New Year’s Day.
He added: “We are so proud of our pub teams. For every pub to have a record Christmas says a great deal about the commitment and consistency of our people. They are heroes!”
Huge lift
Elsewhere, owner of the Royal Dyche in Burnley, Lancashire, Justine Lorriman told The MA local football matches and seasonal events had help give trade a “huge lift”.
“Last year was a record year for the Royal Dyche, and it was great to see December trade improve on 2025”, she said.
Saturday 27 December proved to be the busiest trading day for the Royal Dyche during the two-week period, when Burnley played against Everton at home. Boxing Day also stood out as a strong day for sales.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to introduce new events and strengthen our brand nationally and internationally, which this has had a huge positive impact on matchday trade.
“Even though Burnley are once again finding things tough in the Premier League, we’re welcoming large numbers of visiting supporters and tourists who now see the Royal Dyche as a must-visit stop on their trip. Even our winter fixtures we have still seen strong trade”, Lorriman said.
Shifting habits
Christmas-themed events, including a ‘paint and prosecco night’ had also helped keep trade buoyant, the award-winning operator added.
“It was our second time running [paint and prosecco], and it’s been a huge success on both occasions. I’m really excited to plan even more inclusive events next year, such as wreath-making sessions and a Christmas cocktail masterclass.”
Lorriman also found customer habits had shifted over the festive period, with guests visiting much earlier in the day compared with previous years, alongside an increase in the work Christmas parties coming in for pre-drinks before heading on to events elsewhere.
However, she said the unpredictability of trading patterns has made managing stock levels more of a challenge.
Lorriman explained: “Placing a Friday order for a Tuesday delivery can be tricky when you’re unsure how much stock will move over a busy weekend, especially when Burnley played at home. Fortunately, our brilliant local suppliers were on hand to support us when we needed it.”
Earlier this week, data from market intelligence firm Oxford Partnership also found festive trading across the UK was occasion-led, showing a split between early, volume-led occasions and later, value-driven celebrations, where extended stays and elevated spend mattered more than sheer footfall.
