STRONG food sales are credited with helping managed pub group Mitchells and Butlers record a 6.5% rise in like-for-like sales in the nine weeks to January 21.
M&Bs, whose brands include Harvester, All Bar One and Browns, reported an 8.1% uplift in food sales for the nine-week period, with drinks sales up 5.4%.
Describing the results as “successful”, executive chairman Bob Ivell said rising food, duty and energy costs were expected to impact on its results for the first half of this year.
“I am encouraged by the progress we have already made in a number of areas to refocus the operations and improve the guest experience,” he said.
“This gives me confidence in our ability to successfully develop and grow the business in the year ahead.”
