Liberation Group sees LFL sales rise 6.4% in H1

Liberation Group, a privately owned premium pub operator and brewing group with sites stretching from Mayfair in London to St Aubin in Jersey, has reported a 6.4% increase in H1 LFL sales.

The group’s LFL growth was delivered in all markets and channels, with a “standout” performance in food at 10.0% in H1, assisted by strong occupancy in its accommodation business and a growing breakfast and brunch trade.

The roll-out of the group’s premium room offering, Butcombe Boutique Inns, has also progressed to plan, with The George Inn and Swan Inn both launching successfully.

Liberation stated that customer feedback and results have been really “encouraging”, supported by The George Inn recently winning Pub of the Year at the National Pub and Bar awards.

Butcombe Boutique Inns remains on track to have at least eight inns live by the end of the year.

At the start of the year the group announced that it saw an opportunity for its managed pubs to take advantage of the growing demand for breakfast and brunch. As a result, it saw a 33.9% LFL surge in pre-midday sales.

The Butcombe Brewing and Drinks business performance has also continued to grow, with its own brewed volume up 3.3% on last year and an “excellent” performance in the UK Free Trade market with sales up 8.5% year-on-year.

Additionally, the group has completed three significant renovation developments in the last quarter, including The Langford Inn where three additional rooms and a new private dining room were added, further reflecting the strategy to focus on accommodation, events and occasions.

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, following the recent refurbishment of The Fulham Arms, The Brown Cow in Fulham has now also had a complete refurbishment and re-opened with a brand-new all-day food offering that has been well received by locals, with initial sales more than doubling compared to the previous year.

On 27 August 2024, the Punchbowl in Mayfair will reopen, following a six-week closure and development.

Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Liberation Group, said: “I’m pleased that we have maintained our strong start to the year, despite the challenges posed by an unseasonably 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.”