Marston’s saw its total retail sales increase by 3% year-on-year in the 16 weeks to 18 January across its managed and partnership pubs.

The hospitality firm stated that this was a result of growth in food and drinks sales, demonstrating the "continued appeal of Marston’s community-based estate and leading product offering".

Across the two-week festive period, which included its five key trading dates of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, like-for-like sales increased by 11.1%.

Across the 16 weeks, LFL sales also increased by 2%, "reflecting strong trading" over the period, despite "poor weather conditions in November and January".

Looking ahead, Marston’s said it remains "well placed to deliver FY25 market expectations" and the guidance set out in October.

Investment director at AJ Bell, Russ Mould, commented: "People were keen to celebrate over Christmas, with Marston’s the latest hospitality name to toast strong trading during the festive season.

"However, the before and after periods weren’t good as the company blamed the weather for more sluggish trading in November and January. It all adds up to a rather uninspiring picture with guidance remaining unchanged.

"Marston’s sale of its brewing operation, and the injection of capital it provided, has provided it with a solid platform. It now needs to demonstrate it can deliver sustainable growth, an improvement in cash flow and contend with rising costs arising from the Budget."

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