Drinkers give pub chains some cheer amid 'crisis'

SOME of the biggest pub chains including JD Wetherspoon, Marston’s and Young’s have proved resilient in avoiding the hospitality crisis predicted last year.

- By Amber Murray

They all reported better-than-expected trading, despite very low business and consumer confidence.

Marston’s revealed a 20% increase in operating profit and a 2.5% improvement in its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation margin. The pub owner said data and technology-led improvements in labour and procuring goods had driven the EBITDA change.

JD Wetherspoon said like-for-like sales have increased 4.2% since the start of 2025. In the year ended March 2024, Young’s increased revenue by 25.4%, with like-for-like sales up 5.7%.