Cold snap hits sales at Spirit

Pubs operator Spirit has blamed the wintery conditions at the start of the year for a drop in sales, but it remained confident of meeting its full-year expectations.

The owner of the Chef & Brewer, John Barras and Wacky Warehouse chains said like-for-like drink sales were down 3.4 per cent in the eight weeks to 2 March.

Chief executive Mike Tye said trading during January and February had suffered in comparison with last year’s “unusually dry and mild winter” and, despite the recent sales decline, the group continued to outperform the market.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “Recent trading has been impacted by adverse weather conditions and, with the consumer environment remaining challenging, we are redoubling our efforts to improve the retail offer in all areas of our business to give our guests more compelling reasons to visit our pubs.

“We remain confident of delivering full-year expectations.”