Total sales at Marston's up by 4.9%

The acquisition of the Charles Wells brewing business and the addition of 19 new-build pubs boosted sales at pub operator Marston's by 4.9% over the past 16 weeks.

However, in a trading update for the period to 20 January 2018, the group said that snow and ice during early December and between Christmas and New Year had driven down like-for-like sales by 0.9%, which was estimated to have a negative impact of £1m on profit.

Marston's, which is also an independent brewery, is currently on target to open 15 pub restaurants and bars and six lodges this year. Three pub-restaurants and two lodges have already been launched so far this year.

Ralph Findlay, chief executive of Marston's, said: "We are pleased with our progress, which included record total retail sales in our pubs of £4m on Christmas Day - 5.4% higher than last year.

"We continue to achieve growth against tough market conditions and are benefiting from investment in both pubs and brewing. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with a great pub experience and excellent service, as well as delivering value for shareholders, over the year ahead."

Marston's operates a portfolio of 1,568 managed, franchised and leased pubs.

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