The business that operates brands All Bar One, Nicholson’s, Sizzling Pubs and Toby Carvery also said it is focused on fighting the ongoing economic hits as it reported a first quarter trading update for the 15 weeks ended 10 January 2026.
M&B said lfl sales growth during the three-week period – between 14 December and 3 January – was even higher for the five key trading dates (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) reaching 10.5% versus the same days a year prior. This included setting a new record for Christmas Day sales.
Meanwhile, lfl sales have strengthened across the brand portfolio during the business’s first quarter, climbing by 4.5%, and “remaining well ahead of the market” as measured by the CGA Business Tracker.
Estate investment
The breakdown between food and drink lfl sales showed food sales up 5.1% with drink up 3.8%. It added total sales have grown by 3.5% in the year to date.
M&B said it continues to concentrate on investment in its estate and, in the year to date, it has completed 51 conversions and remodels and remains encouraged by returns being generated.
On the future, the business said as sales growth strengthened through the first quarter, it is confident in its ability to manage the c£130m of year-on-year cost headwinds it expects to face this financial year, driven primarily by increased labour costs and food cost inflation.
Well positioning to grow market share
M&B CEO Phil Urban said: “We are pleased to report another exceptionally strong festive trading period, marked by numerous record-breaking performances across our brand portfolio and continued market outperformance in every segment.
“Sales growth on key festive dates was particularly strong, with Christmas Day setting a new all-time record for the highest sales day, surpassing last year’s benchmark.
“Our focus remains on tackling the significant cost headwinds faced by the industry this financial year through the effective execution of our Ignite programme and our successful capital investment programme, driving both cost efficiencies and increased sales.
“We remain well positioned to further grow market share in the year ahead by leveraging the strength of our diverse portfolio of established brands and enviable estate locations.”
