The Nick Collins-led group grew turnover in its most recent financial year by 34% to £91.8m, narrowly beating the growth rate of New World Trading Company, which recorded a 33% uptick to £40.1m. The figures are recorded in the latest rankings though MCA’s Operator Data Index, which sets a minimum qualifying turnover of £10m.
Amber Taverns grew 23.4% to £64.9m while Red Oak Taverns, Cirrus Inns and City Pub Company (now City Pub Group) all saw turnover increase 20%. The top 10 was rounded off with Arc Inspirations, Oakman Inns, Inception Group and Barworks.
When looking at the overall top 50 groups by turnover, Mitchells & Butlers leads the pack with revenues for 2016/17 £2.2bn, followed by Greene King with just over £2bn and JD Wetherspoon on £1.7bn.
Hold on the sector
The top three companies by outlets are Ei Group, Punch (prior to the break-up of the estate following the Heineken/Patron takeover) and Greene King.
MCA has also ranked the top 50 pub brands, with JD Wetherspoon topping the table for both outlets and turnover. Hungry was second both metrics, with Sizzling Pubs third for number of outlets and Harvester for turnover.
MCA analyst Katherine Prowse said: “JD Wetherspoon continues to be the dominating brand of the pub and bar sector, responsible for 25% of the total combined turnover, and 20% of the outlets. Its perceived value for money, varied menu, and technological advances with its app ordering system have helped sustain the brand’s hold on the sector.
“Newer bar brands including The Alchemist, The Botanist and The Lounges (previously known as Loungers) continue to expand with premium drink offers in trendy surroundings.”