Today’s news in brief – 04/01/24

Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, has sold its 49% stake in healthy eating chain Pure, eight years after acquiring it for £6.8m. The company’s sales doubled to £20m in 2022, bouncing back from the pandemic, despite pre-tax losses increasing from £3.45m in 2021 to £4.55m. Despite this, the company opened two new stores last year and expects business to increase as more people return to offices.

Amber Taverns has announced strong trading over the key Christmas and New periods, with like-for-like sales up 20%. The group has consistently achieved high returns of 20% on new freehold acquisitions and has lots of target towns within its existing geography in mind, targeting 185 sites by the end of 2024 as Amber continues to progress its expansion plans. 

Mission Mars has reported “record” sales of £10m, up 38% during the festive period of 27 November to 31 December 2023. The group, which owns both the Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana and Albert’s Schloss brands, saw overall Rudy’s revenues grow by 72% to £4m, driven by organic growth and new venues performing well. 

Urban Pubs and Bars has raised over £42k for StreetSmart, a charity that helps homeless and vulnerable people across the country. The operator of 42 pubs, bars and restaurants across London raised the money as part of its Christmas charity partnership. At participating venues during the festive months of November and December, a voluntary £1 was added to the diners’ bill.