Trade over the festive period had also proved resilient, with like-for-like sales up 8.1% for the five weeks to 3 January 2026, the interim report stated.
The Kent-based pub operator and brewer said the performance had been driven by a strong performance inside the M25, adding sales in the capital saw a 12.6% uptick during the period.
Strong Christmas
In addition, the company’s tenanted estate delivered a like-for-like sales rise of 3.1% over the 26-week period.
However, its total beer volume was down 6.6% during this time. Beer volume for its own brews were also down by 11.6%, which the company attributed to an ongoing decline in national volumes.
Commenting on the results, Shepherd Neame CEO Jonathan Neame said: “Demand has remained resilient throughout this period in our pub business, and we have enjoyed a particularly strong Christmas trading period.
“While our sector continues to face cost headwinds, we expect these to ease as we progress through 2026. The Company continues to trade in line with the board’s expectations.”
Investments
Established in 1698, Shepherd Neame runs 285 pubs, inns and hotels in the south east and employs around 1,500 people. Its beer portfolio includes Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Whitstable Bay.
The company said it will announce its interim results for the 26 weeks to 27 December 2025 on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
Additionally, it is set to reopen the historic Hoop & Grapes pub in Farringdon, London, next month following a £1.8m renovation.
Shepherd Neame is also a finalist in this year’s Publican Awards. The company is in the running for the Best New Site gong after investing £950k into the White Horse & Bower in Westminster last year.
