Liberation Group reports strong H1 performance
The brewer, pub operator and accommodation business, which has an estate stretching from Mayfair in London to St Aubin in Jersey, reported total managed like-for-like (lfl) sales grew 6.4% in H1 with a “stand-out performance” in food at 10.0% growth, assisted by strong occupancy in its accommodation business and a growing breakfast and brunch trade.
In its results ended 27 July 2024, it said accommodation continued its strong performance and made an important contribution to the group with occupancy at 84%, in the second quarter of the year it stood at 77% versus 71% for the same period last year.
Liberation group added its rollout of Butcombe Boutique Inns has commenced to plan while its brewing and drinks performance, led by Butcombe Free Trade, is 8.5% up versus last year.
The group’s premium room offering, Butcombe Boutique Inns, has seen the George Inn and Swan Inn both launching successfully with the operator stating customer feedback and results have been “really encouraging” and the arm remains on track to have at least eight inns live by the end of the year.
A move for its managed pubs to take advantage of the growing demand for breakfast and brunch and reaped results too with pre-midday sales in 33.9% lfl growth.
Three significant developments
Three significant renovation developments have completed in the last quarter, including the Langford Inn where three additional rooms and a new private dining room were added. The Langford Inn will become a Butcombe Boutique Inn, with the King John Inn following shortly after it has undergone refurbishment this summer.
There will also be a number of further key investments by the end of the year, all due to be launched into Butcombe Boutique Inns.
In London, refurbishments of the Fulham Arms and the Brown Cow, in Fulham, have completed with the latter now offering all-day food with initial sales more than doubling compared to the previous year.
On 27 August, the Punchbowl in Mayfair will reopen, following a six-week closure and development.
The Butcombe Brewing and Drinks business performance has continued to grow, with its own-brewed volume up 3.3% on last year.
Non-alcoholic beers on draught
The performance and growth of the Butcombe’s award-winning non-alcoholic IPA, Goram IPA Zero, across all channels has led to an increase in the number of managed pubs now selling it on draught, including in London.
Given the strength of this performance and the continued growth of the low and no alcohol drinks market, Butcombe has launched a second non-alcoholic beer, Tall Tales Pale Ale Zero, with initial feedback being particularly positive.
Liberation Group CEO Jonathan Lawson said: “I’m pleased that we have maintained our strong start to the year, despite the challenges posed by an unseasonally wet summer so far.
“We have a simple strategy and clear plan for growth across our group and it is particularly satisfying to see strong performances in key areas of focus including our newest pubs, food (particularly in breakfast and brunch), accommodation and our free trade business.
“We are confident about the second half of the year, particularly if the sun shines, and are already turning our thoughts towards providing a truly memorable Christmas for our customers.”
