‘Outstanding performance’: Young’s raises full-year expectations

London expansion: Young’s Dodd reveals the group is looking to expand in the capital
HY results: Young’s raises expectations after ‘outstanding’ first half (Young's)

Young’s has said full-year trading is expected to be ahead of market expectations after a strong first half boosted by warm weather and major sport.

The premium pub operator reported total revenue growth of 10.4% for the 26 weeks from 31 March to 28 September 2026.

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Like-for-like sales were up 6.4% across the period, with growth accelerating to 7.9% during the final 13 weeks.

Young’s said the first half benefited from a “standout summer of sunshine and sport”, including strong May bank holiday trading and the men’s football World Cup.

Pubs with gardens and riverside locations performed particularly well, with like-for-like sales up 7.5%.

Summer boost

The company said extended opening hours for England’s World Cup matches had also helped boost sales across the estate.

Chief executive Simon Dodd said: “Boosted by excellent trading across the summer months, supported by the record weather and exciting sporting events, Young’s has delivered another period of outstanding performance.

“Our relentless focus on quality meant that when the sun shone and the matches were aired, customers chose Young’s for our premium offer and the fantastic atmosphere created by our brilliant teams.”

Cubitt House integration

Young’s said it had continued to focus on premium, well-invested pubs and selective acquisitions.

The group said the integration of Cubitt House London Pubs had now been completed, with the business contributing to first-half performance.

Dodd added: “Cubitt House’s exceptional collection of pubs are now fully embedded into the Young’s family, and we continue to deliver against our strategic priorities.

Despite the well-publicised headwinds that face our sector, our premium estate continues to outperform, and we now look forward to delivering a full-year performance that exceeds previous expectations.

Simon Dodd

During the period, Young’s also completed its move from AIM to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market.

The group is due to publish its interim results on 12 November 2026.