This sales growth, which was better than the company had predicted, included Christmas day with growth outside of London +3.3%, even though many Christmas party bookings were deferred to the first quarter of 2022.
Brewhouse & Kitchen CEO Kris Gumbrell said: "With the onset of Omicron, our London business was hard hit and with one site closed throughout most of the period, we lost a significant number of trading days due to high case rates and closures.
Valiant performance
“However, for the rest of the UK, our teams delivered a valiant performance, and against much adversity, they created great guest experiences; their commitment and passion has been extraordinary.”
Brewhouse & Kitchen stated craft beer, amongst other premium drinks, had seen much more interest and indulgence from customers during the pandemic, which has benefited the business over the last two years, and following the launch of a new Whisky and Beer Matching Masterclass, the operators Webshop sales exceeded £53,000 in the 3 weeks up to Christmas Eve.
Gumbrell added: “We have stepped up the training and focus on delivering great masterclasses and experiences days, our teams are fantastic at this.
Cautiously optimistic
“The company is cautiously optimistic for the coming year, with a further freehold site in legals, a strong balance sheet across the group and a pipeline of further opportunities.”
Though the company has shared its cautious optimism for the future, 2022 has bought with it some concerns.
Gumbrell concluded: “The inflation headwinds facing the sector are disconcerting, utility and input costs are set to increase significantly, the entire sector needs Vat at 12.5% on food to be maintained permanently as its cost base changes.
“The cap on the amount of business rates relief should also be lifted to support growing SMEs, who continue to regenerate the sector, invest in people and create skilled hospitality jobs.”