Butcombe posts stronger year with London growth and new openings
Butcombe Group, which runs 118 pubs and inns, reported a 6.1% rise in like-for-like sales in the year to 31 October 2026, up from 5.2% at the half-year. Growth spanned food, drinks and accommodation, at 5.9%, 6.6% and 5.2% respectively. London venues performed strongly, with managed pub sales up 12.4% year to date, supported by refurbishments at the Brown Cow in Fulham and the Cross Keys in Chelsea. Refurbishments at the Mayflower in Lymington, Dundas Arms in Kintbury and Brown Cow in Fulham delivered an average sales growth of 43.4% since reopening. The premium accommodation arm, Butcombe Boutique Inns, reported a 6.6% like-for-like rise, with work under way to convert the Anchor Inn in Lower Froyle into its 13th site. The UK drinks division rose 7.9% year on year, including a 7.4% uplift in sales to pubs and other venues. Chief executive Jonathan Lawson said the third-quarter performance shows momentum across the business, aided by investments in the estate, particularly premium accommodation, London sites and event spaces like the Dovecote Barn. Christmas bookings were running ahead of last year, providing confidence into the final quarter, though operating costs remain a challenge. The group remains confident heading into 2027, with growth across pubs, accommodation and brewing. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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