Bar sales increased by 6.9% during the 25 week period, while food and slot/fruit machines sales were up by 1.3% and 9.1% respectively. Hotel room sales for the pub giant decreased by 0.7%.
The pub behemoth also posted a 6.1% rise in like-for-like sales for Q2 FY26. Total sales have grown by 5.3% in the year to date.
In addition, trade was up by 8.8% during the three weeks three from 15 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 compared to the previous year.
New openings
Debt levels for the company at the end of FY26 were estimated to be between £740m and £760m, compared to £724m for FY25.
In the year-to-date, the company has opened six pubs – at London Bridge station, Merchant Square in Paddington, Kenilworth, Basildon, Wetherby and Beaconsfield.
Additionally, JDW, which was crowned one of the UK’s top employers last week, has opened eight franchised pubs in the year-to-date, bringing the total number to 16.
The 794-strong pubco is set to open a further 15 pubs over the rest of the financial year, including the company’s first opening in mainland Spain, at Alicante Airport.
Rising costs
Six pubs were sold during over the 12-month period, giving rise to a net cash inflow of £3.3m.
Commenting on the results, JDW chairman Tim Martin said: “We are pleased with the sales growth in the financial year, and with the increased momentum in the second quarter.
“Costs have been higher than anticipated, with energy, wages, repairs and business rates, for example, increasing by £45m in the first 25 weeks.
“Profits in the first half are likely to be lower than the comparable period in the previous financial year.
“If the current sales momentum continues, the company currently anticipates a full year trading outcome slightly below that achieved in FY25.”
