The 2,700-strong pub company reported Christmas Day bookings at its 1,600 managed pubs were 30% ahead compared with the same time last year.
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Overall online bookings across key Christmas dates were more than 25% ahead of the same point in 2025, which Greene King attributed in part to customers planning further ahead.
Commenting on the figures, Greene King chief operating officer Jodie Tate said: “The growth in advance online bookings proves customers want to ensure they can celebrate Christmas with friends and family in their favourite Greene King pub.
Momentum building
“We have great pubs, a brilliant Christmas experience and a real-time bookings system, plus loyalty rewards and offers, so customers can make the most of the festive season with all the extra trimmings and without any hassle.
“Despite one of the hottest summers on record and the country wrapped up in the excitement of the international football, we have seen more people looking to book earlier than usual for key festive dates and that momentum is building as we countdown to Christmas.
“This bodes well as we continue to face the barrage of business costs. The festive season is a vital trading period for pubs and we are ready.”
This comes after CEO Nick Mackenzie last week announced he would stepping down from the role after almost eight years leading the business.
Moving forward
Clair Preston-Beer has been appointed as his successor, taking over the role in February 2027 and becoming the first female CEO in Greene King’s 227-year history.
Mackenzie said it had been “the privilege” of his career to lead Greene King, adding Preston-beer was an “exceptionally qualified” successor to take the business forward.
The ingoing CEO said she was honoured to take on the role and would continue delivering the group’s growth strategy.
She continued: “We will continue to strengthen our core brands and ensure our digital services become central to the everyday experience of our valued customers.”
