Hollywood Bowl has reported a 9.4 percent decline in pre-tax profits for the six months to 31 March, after a spell of “unprecedented dry and warm weather” hit footfall, with the number of bookings during the period down 4.5 percent on the prior year.

The “unprecedented dry and warm weather” experienced by the UK between February and March hit footfall at family entertainment operator Hollywood Bowl, with pre-tax profit for the six months to 31 March down 9.4 percent to £28m.

The “short-term” decline in bookings during the period came as staff and supply costs increased across the firm’s 75 UK venues, including a jump in companywide wages from £2.6m to £24.9m, alongside a rise in Employer NICs.

“The prolonged period of unprecedented dry and warm weather from March to May has had a short-term impact on trading,” said CEO Stephen Burns. “However, we’ve responded quickly, managing margins and costs while maintaining strong operational performance, which remains as good as it’s ever been.”

“Looking ahead, we’re well positioned for the key summer holiday period.”

During the half year reporting period, the number of bowling game bookings made at Hollywood Bowl venues dropped 4.5 percent, however spend-per-game increased by 1.5 percent, boosting overall like-for-like revenues by 1.3 percent.

The year-on-year percentage changes were also exacerbated by the late timing of Easter this year, outside of the reporting period, and the addition of an extra day of trading in 2024 due to it being a Leap Year.

Despite Hollywood Bowl shares falling 8.4 percent following the announcement, the company upped its interim dividend by 3 percent.

Speaking to This Is Money, Robinhood analyst Dan Lane said “the attractive dividend and buyback plans might frustrate investors who look at the success so far in Canada and wonder if that cash could be put to good use instead of returning it to shareholders.”