Today’s news in brief – 14/05/24

Marstons reported a £0.8m underlying loss before tax during H1. However, the group’s revenues increased 5.2% to £428.1m, with good momentum across food and drink sales. The pub group also recorded a 22% increase in underlying pub operating profit to £52.7m, with profit margin increasing from 10.6% to 12.3%. 

Various Eateries’ sales increased 10.2% to £22.7m during H1, despite group like-for-like sales being marginally down against a backdrop of one of the wettest winters since records began. The company also maintained its strategy of absorbing most price increases. The operator said that the increase in sales has been driven largely by new site openings. 

Greggs’ like-for-like sales rose 74% to £693m during Q1, as it remains on track to open between 140 and 160 stores for the full year. There has been no change to the outlook for cost inflation, which Greggs expects to be in the range of 4 to 5% on a like-for-like basis. The board’s expectations for the full year outcome are also unchanged. 

Pizza Pilgrims will open a new venue in Euston in June. This new pizzeria will seat 72 inside, and will also feature a large outdoor area seating 32. For Euston, the Amalfi Coast served as the inspiration, and more specifically, train journeys around the region.