Mitchells & Butlers reveals first quarter trading

Mitchells & Butlers has released its trading statement covering the 15 weeks ended 10 January 2026.

The business says it traded very strongly across the festive season, with like-for-like growth of 7.7% over the core three-week period, supported by volume growth and particularly over the five key festive days, which generated combined like-for-like sales growth of 10.5%.

Through the first quarter, like-for-like sales have strengthened across the brand portfolio, growing to 4.5%.

"We are pleased to report another exceptionally strong festive trading period, marked by numerous record-breaking performances across our brand portfolio and continued market outperformance in every segment," says Phil Urban, chief executive of Mitchells & Butlers. "Sales growth on key festive dates was particularly strong, with Christmas Day setting a new all-time record for the highest sales day, surpassing last year's benchmark."

Looking ahead

Total sales have grown by 3.5% in the year to date, with the business continuing to focus on investment in the estate. In the year to date, Mitchells & Butlers has completed 51 conversions and remodels.

Sales growth strengthened through the first quarter, with the business saying it remains confident in its ability to manage the c.£130m of year-on-year cost headwinds it expects to face this financial year, driven primarily by increased labour costs and food cost inflation.

"Our focus remains on tackling the significant cost headwinds faced by the industry this financial year through the effective execution of our Ignite programme and our successful capital investment programme, driving both cost efficiencies and increased sales," adds Urban. "We remain well positioned to further grow market share in the year ahead by leveraging the strength of our diverse portfolio of established brands and enviable estate locations."

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