In a trading update for the 42 weeks to 18 July 2026, the All Bar One, Nicholson’s and Harvester operator said like for like food sales fell 2.4% during the quarter.
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The company said pubs and other drink led brands generally performed well, helped on selected days by the men’s football World Cup, with like for like drink sales up 2.6% in the third quarter.
Overall like for like sales were flat during the quarter, while year to date like for like sales were up 2.2%. Total sales across the year to date increased by 1.3%.
M&B said trading had also been affected by the timing of Easter, which fell in the third quarter last year and reduced like for like sales growth by around 0.8 percentage points.
Across the year to date, food like for like sales were up 2%, while drink sales rose 2.5%.
10 new sites
The group said it had accelerated its investment programme this year, completing 181 conversions and remodels so far.
It has also acquired 10 new sites, including two leasehold sites in Germany and eight freehold sites in the UK, alongside the purchase of four freehold interests in existing sites.
The update follows M&B’s agreement in June to acquire a seven-site package from Whitbread, which will be converted to either Miller & Carter or Toby Carvery restaurants.
The business said it was also continuing to roll out measures to reduce energy use, including solar panels and sensors.
M&B said cost increases were still expected to be around £120m this financial year, reflecting pressure across the wider sector.
‘Remains confident’
However, the company said action taken across the business, alongside its investment programme, meant it remained confident of meeting full year expectations.
Chief executive Phil Urban commented: “Our business has performed with resilience during a quarter characterised by unusual weather patterns.
“The strength of our diversified portfolio has moderated the impact of external factors and together with the continued success of our investment programme and Ignite initiatives we remain confident in delivering our full year expectations.”
The update comes after M&B reported a “robust” first half in May, with like for like sales up 3.3% for the 28 weeks to 11 April.