Marston's welcomes sales boost thanks to Euro 2016

Pubs group Marston's said today that the tailwind to sales of UEFA Euro 2016 has helped offset mixed summer weather.

Marston's taverns division saw like-for-like sales rise by nearly 3%. Picture: PA

Marston’s said its taverns division saw like-for-like sales rise 2.8 per cent in the 42 weeks to 23 July, with growth of 2.5 per cent in the last 16 weeks of the period.

“Euro 2016 has contributed to this continuing strong performance and helped to offset mixed weather,” said Marston’s, whose dozen Scottish pubs include The Steam Wheeler in Braehead.

The group said same-floorspace sales over the 42-week period from its upmarket, food-led “destination and premium” business rose 2.5 per cent, including food revenue growth of 2.1 per cent and “wet” sales growth of 2.6 per cent.

Marston’s added that in the most recent 16 weeks like-for-like sales in this division were up 1.8 per cent “despite the anticipated adverse impact of the Euro 2016 football tournament on these predominantly food-led pubs”.

The company said it remained on track to open 22 pub restaurants and bars in the current financial year in addition to six lodges.

Marston’s brewing arm saw volumes rise 14 per cent compared to last year.