Liberation shares positive trading update
Liberation Group has seen a strong performance across the business.
The owner of the National Pub & Bar of the Year has shared positive top line numbers in its half-year results.
Liberation Group has seen a strong performance across the business in the half year ended 27 July 2024.
Total managed like-for-like sales grew 6.4% during the period, with a standout performance in food at 10% growth, assisted by strong occupancy in its accommodation business and a growing breakfast and brunch trade.
Liberation says the roll-out of its premium room offering, Butcombe Boutique Inns, has progressed to plan, with The George Inn, Norton St Philip, and The Swan Inn, Rowberrow both launching successfully.
The performance at The George has also been supported by its wins at the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards. Liberation says Butcombe Boutique Inns remains on track to have at least eight sites live by the end of the year.
"I’m pleased that we have maintained our strong start to the year, despite the challenges posed by an unseasonally wet summer so far," says Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Liberation Group. "We have a simple strategy and clear plan for growth across our group and it is particularly satisfying to see strong performances in key areas of focus including our newest pubs, food (particularly in breakfast and brunch), accommodation and our free trade business.
"We are confident about the second half of the year, particularly if the sun shines, and are already turning our thoughts towards providing a truly memorable Christmas for our customers."
Further Liberation updates
Liberation announced at the start of the year that it saw an opportunity for its managed pubs to take advantage of the growing demand for breakfast and brunch. Since then, its pre-midday sales have seen a 33.9% like-for-like growth.
The group has completed three renovation developments in the last quarter, including The Langford Inn, where three additional rooms and a new private dining room were added. The Langford Inn will become a Butcombe Boutique Inn, with The King John Inn following shortly after it has undergone refurbishment this summer.
In London, following the recent refurbishment of The Fulham Arms, The Brown Cow in Fulham (pictured) has also had a refurbishment and reopened with a new all-day food offering, with initial sales more than doubling compared to the previous year.
On the 27 of August, The Punchbowl in Mayfair will reopen, following a six-week closure and development. The investment will enhance all three floors to maximise the varied trading opportunities available.
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