Fuller’s profits rise 25% amid strong half-year performance and growth
Fuller’s posted a 6.5% rise in revenue to £220.9m for the 26 weeks to 26 September 2026, with profits before tax, excluding one-off items, up 25% to £28.2m. Like-for-like sales across its managed pubs and hotels rose 6.1%, ahead of the market by three percentage points. Growth came from drinks, food and accommodation, at 6.4%, 4.6% and 8.9% respectively. The group said good weather and the men’s World Cup supported trading, with investments in pub gardens contributing to the pickup. The group spent £14.2m on its estate in the first half and plans a further £19m this year. It completed the acquisition of 12 pubs for £37.5m, including 10 sites bought from Stonegate in September. Of the 12 acquisitions, 11 are in London and one in Bath, with nine joining the managed estate and three operating as tenanted pubs. Further investment is planned across the new sites and refurbishments at existing venues. Higher staff costs from the national living wage add about £5m to annual costs. Trading remains positive, with like-for-like sales in the 32 weeks to 7 November up 5.8% and Christmas bookings 16% ahead of last year. Executive chairman Simon Emeny said the business is in great shape with momentum intact. Fuller’s now operates 194 managed pubs and hotels alongside 153 tenanted inns. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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