For the 53 weeks to 4 January 2026, group revenue increased 3.6% to £2.539bn, while adjusted operating profit rose 9.8% to £217.4m.
Total capex climbed 10.1% to £219.4m, reflecting continued investment across its managed pubs, franchise estate and growth concepts.
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The group operates more than 840 Greene King pubs, alongside over 980 leased, tenanted and franchised sites, as well as its Destination Brands and Ventures divisions. This follows earlier plans to convert or sell 300 pubs as part of an ongoing estate strategy.
The group said it had invested more than £150m into its pubs and Hickory’s Smokehouse business during the year, including targeted spend in London, Belhaven and growing the US-style barbecue brand.
The strategy also includes targeted disposals, with Greene King recently reported to be exploring the sale of 13 hotels.
The company also continued to expand its franchise formats, with its Hive and Nest concepts reaching 100 sites in 2025.
Greene King Pub Partners was also named Best Partnership Pub Company (501+ sites) at the 2026 Publican Awards, while Hickory’s Smokehouse picked up Best Operations Team, reflecting the strength of the group’s partnership and managed pub operations.
Across the estate, investment has focused on improving customer experience, including refurbishments, new concepts and operational efficiencies, alongside a £10m digital rollout of its Workday HR platform.
Trading and demand
The group said managed pubs delivered strong trading, including record sales days over the Christmas period, while its new loyalty app reached one million sign-ups within three months of launch.
Customer “delight scores” rose 23.1% year on year to 32, reflecting improvements in guest experience.
In a separate interview with The Times this weekend, chief executive Nick Mackenzie said demand to run pubs remains high despite ongoing cost pressures, with occupancy rates at around 98% across its leased, tenanted and franchised estate.
He said applications to operate pubs are at their highest level to date, as prospective publicans continue to see opportunity in the sector, particularly through lower-risk models such as franchise and tenancy.
‘Significant headwinds’
Commenting on the results, Mackenzie said: “Our performance reflects the quality of our pubs, underpinned by the strength of our operating model and the commitment of our teams who are the backbone of the business.
“However, there are still significant headwinds facing the industry and these will only grow as inflationary pressure rises once again. Long-term permanent reform from government is therefore essential to ensure that unprecedented costs do not hold back the enormous potential of the sector.”
Despite the improved performance, Greene King flagged continued pressure from rising employment costs, business rates and wider inflation across food, drink and energy. Earlier this year, the group was reported to be considering around 100 job cuts amid rising costs.
The group said its long-term strategy remains focused on driving returns through investment, simplifying operations and expanding higher-growth formats, alongside continued rollout of its integrated pub and food offer.
It is also progressing construction of a new £40m brewery in Bury St Edmunds, due to complete in 2027, aimed at improving efficiency and futureproofing production.
