Mitchells and Butlers has reported that total sales for the 51 weeks to 20 September were up 3.9 percent year-on-year, with like-for-like sales up 4.2 percent, as the pub operator remains “consistently ahead of the market.”

Despite “slightly weaker sales” in London and across the operator’s premium businesses, M&B highlighted a “robust performance” across its midmarket pub and pub restaurants, with food sales up 4.1 percent and drink sales up 4 percent.

“We are pleased with our performance over the year, in which we remained consistently ahead of the market, across all market segments,” said CEO Phil Urban.

“Sales growth has been broad based, with strong like-for-like performances in both food and drink across our portfolio of brands, supported by cost efficiencies and a capital programme, which continues to deliver strong returns.”

During the year, M&B increased the scale and pace of its capital programme, completing 201 conversions and remodels, up from 185 in 2024.

“Looking forward to next year, we continue to anticipate a higher level of overall cost inflation of around £130m (c.6 percent of our cost base) as previously outlined, but we face this challenge with confidence as our brands are well positioned to continue to outperform the sector.”