In its first full year performance report since rebranding from Liberation Group at the end of 2024, the company posted 10.1% and 6.5% growth in drink and food sales respectively.
Trade was particularly strong in the capital, with the group reporting 11.6% like-for-like growth for London pubs in its managed estate. Channel Islands Liberation Pubs & Bars saw 3.5% growth.
Accommodation trade was up 5.3%, with a 76.8% occupancy rate, while Butcombe’s Pubs & Inns division delivered 9.7% like-for-like growth. Sales were up 12.5% for the full year across the group’s Butcombe Boutique Inns estate.
Strong demand
Strong demand for its premium room offering has also seen Butcombe invest its Boutique Inns arm, converting the Welldiggers Arms in Petworth, West Sussex, taking the total number of venues to 12.
Further investment is now planned for the new financial year to further expand the number of Boutique Inns.
The group, which is a finalist in the 2026 Publican Awards, maintained a strategic focus on key day parts, dates and events during the 12 month period, with morning sales up 25.9% and weddings delivering 55% growth versus last year.
Meanwhile festive trade was record breaking for the group, up 14.4% over the Christmas and New Year fortnight for Butcombe’s managed pub division and 25.2% for the tenanted arm of the business.
Strong performance was also reported for its Butcombe Brewing Co. arm with growth in the on-trade up 21% over the festive period. Sales of no and low beer were up 63.9% year-on-year.
Highest standards
In addition, Butcombe loyalty club continued to add significant value to the business with 25.3% of sales now attached to loyalty driven by year-on-year growth in loyalty customers of 21%.
Butcombe Group chief executive officer Jonathan Lawson said: “I am delighted to report such strong results and once again I must start with a massive thank you to our amazing teams in the UK and Channel Islands who are at the heart of everything we do and are passionate about delivering the highest standards of service to our customers.
“To culminate with a record-breaking Christmas with sector leading LFL’s against tough comparatives last year is incredibly satisfying and demonstrates the strength of our business and the growing loyalty of our customers.
“We are proud to see our managed pubs and inns evolve to meet changing customer needs, while staying true to the character that define British pubs, which has helped us capture new occasions such as mornings and weddings.
“At the same time, our brewing and drinks business continues to perform strongly, supported by our core brands and a disciplined approach to innovation. As we look ahead, we remain confident that we are well positioned to sustain growth thanks to our brilliant pubs in ideal locations and unmatched guest experience.”
