The craft brewer said it had experienced its best-ever Christmas trading period
Butcombe Brewing Co’s Stateside Session IPA (Image: Butcombe Brewing Co )
South West pub operator and craft brewer Butcombe says it has delivered an “exceptional sales performance” in its first full year trading under its new brand name. The Wrington-based group – formerly known as Liberation – said its investment in its estate, particularly its accommodation, had helped it outperform the broader market over the 12 months to the end of January.
The business reported like-for-like growth of eight per cent across its managed pub division including drink at 10.1 per cent, food at 6.5 per cent and accommodation 5.3 per cent.
Meanwhile, UK Butcombe Pubs & Inns delivered 9.7 per cent like-for-like growth, and Channels Islands Liberation Pubs & Bars performed at 3.5 per cent like-for-like.
Butcombe said “strong demand” for its premium room offering – Butcombe Boutique Inns – had encouraged the business to add the Welldiggers Arms, in Petworth, to its portfolio, bringing the total number of boutique venues up to 12. It also announced plans to further expand the number of Boutique Inns over the coming financial year.
The group was also boosted by a record festive trading period for its managed pub estate, achieving like-for-like sales at 14.4 per cent over the Christmas and New Year fortnight, delivering the group’s record highest-week ever and highest-ever day on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, Butcombe’s UK tenanted business achieved sales growth of 25.2 per cent over the same period.
The rapid growth of no and low alcohol brands, including Butcombe’s award-winning non-alcoholic Goram IPA Zero, was also a driver in the growth of the drinks arm of the business, with the category up 63.9 per cent for the year.
Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Butcombe Group, said: “I am delighted to report such strong results and once again I must start with a massive thank you to our amazing teams in the UK and Channel Islands who are at the heart of everything we do and are passionate about delivering the highest standards of service to our customers.
“To culminate with a record-breaking Christmas with sector leading LFL’s against tough comparatives last year is incredibly satisfying and demonstrates the strength of our business and the growing loyalty of our customers.”
He added: “As we look ahead, we remain confident that we are well positioned to sustain growth thanks to our brilliant pubs in ideal locations and unmatched guest experience.”