The Wolverhampton-based pubco said it has enjoyed strong trading during the World Cup with England matchdays delivering like-for-like sales growth of 22% while sales were up about 170% year-on-year across its sporting Grandstand pubs – which were launched in April 2025.
The trading update for the 1,300-strong pubs business is for the 42 weeks to 18 July 2026.
All of Marston’s pub formats have continued to deliver “excellent like-for-like sales growth” with Grandstand being the “stand-out performer”, generating year-to-date like-for-like sales growth of c.30% in the 36 pub conversions the pubco has completed to the Grandstand model to date.
Disciplined cost controls
However, year-to-date like-for-like sales are 1.6% lower than last year with “softer off-peak market conditions offsetting strong growth in peak occasions”.
The business has continued its investment in a bid to drive greater guest engagement with higher-value order & pay sales up 45% year-on-year and guest reputation scores showing sustained strong performance.
The board stated disciplined cost control across its pub-operating model has given it belief it will deliver full-year market expectations. It also said it expects to achieve the EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) margin expansion target it set out in October 2024 during the current financial year, adding this is “significantly ahead of schedule”.
Marston’s is set to continue investing in its new pub formats, which are already driving significant like-for-like revenue growth and returns. In its 2027 financial year, Marston’s will “substantially increase the pace of investment, delivering c.100 conversions focused on the Grandstand format”.
Strong start to summer
Marston’s CEO Justin Platt said: “Our pubs have delivered a strong start to the summer with an excellent World Cup once again underlining the enduring role of the community pub as the place the nation comes together to cheer the moments that matter.
“Our new Grandstand pubs have been leading the way and continue to perform ahead of expectations while our accelerated investment programme is driving further trading momentum and enhancing guest experiences across our estate.
“Supported by a clear strategy, disciplined cost control and continued investment in our new formats, we are well positioned for the summer trading period ahead. Given this, as well as our progress on leverage reduction, the group is well-placed to recommence shareholder returns in FY2027.”
