Marston's: average profit per pub increases 8%

The figures released this week also saw underlying pre-tax profits rise 7.1% to £98 million in the year to October 1. 

Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: “We have delivered another year of good growth across the business, with the outstanding performance of our beer company particularly encouraging.

Job creation

The last year has seen 22 new pubs and bars, resulting in the creation of around 1,000 jobs.

Findlay has also revealed that the next year will see a £10m investment in Scotland, resulting in the creation of 300 jobs north of the border. "By the end of 2017 we will have invested £50 million in the Scottish market. We'll probably have about 800 employees by that time," he said.

Nationally, the company's target is to open at least 20 new-build pub-restaurants in the coming year, including three Revere bars, as well as between five and 10 lodges.

Brewing on the up

On the brewing side of the business, the company has increased its market share to 27% of the premium bottled ale and 20% of premium cask ale markets. While Hobgoblin, the group’s largest brand, continued to grow with sales up 13% on last year.

The company said: “We are well placed to benefit from current trends in beer, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. Growth in premium drinks continues, with strong consumer interest in new brands and styles, particularly in craft beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.

“Premium beers account for over 70% of beer sold, we sell 16 million glasses of wine and five million cups of coffee a year, with soft drinks accounting for 15% of total drinks volume.”