Pubs cashing in on early risers

PUBS operator JD Wetherspoon yesterday reported a return to like-for-like growth in its fourth quarter, boosted by a decision to open earlier to cash in on a growing breakfast trade market.

The firm - which has 783 pubs across the UK - including the Standing Order on Edinburgh's George Street - said sales in branches open for more than a year rose 1 per cent in the 11 weeks to 11 July, while total sales rose 5.8 per cent. The strong final quarter pushed full-year sales into the black, with a 0.1 per cent rise in like-for-like revenues for the year to 11 July.

Wetherspoon's began opening its branches at 8am at the end of April, selling budget breakfasts to compete with the likes of McDonalds and cafe chain Starbucks.

The chain has performed better than some of its pubs rivals in the recession as offers such as ham, egg and chips for 2.99 and a pint of Greene King IPA beer for 99p enticed cash-strapped customers.

Wetherspoons said it opened 41 new pubs in the 12 months to July and closed two.

The chain said it would continue to expand, cashing in on cheaper available sites following the recession. The firm added: "Our sales, profit and cashflow continue to be resilient and the performance of our recently opened pubs is encouraging."