Food is outselling drink for the first time, pubs and restaurants group Mitchells & Butlers revealed today.

The Birmingham-based firm said sales were up 4.2 per cent in the six months to April 9, with food sales soaring 7.5 per cent.

M&B, whose chains include Harvester, Toby Carvery and All Bar One, made an underlying pre-tax profit of £63 million, down 14 per cent after the sale of 333 pubs. The company has reshaped itself into a food-led business, with around 1,600 restaurants and pubs across Britain.

Food is now its largest single driver, with nearly three-quarters of sales coming from meals and drinks purchased alongside food.

Jeremy Blood, interim chief executive, said: “Our growth strategy is on track and has delivered a strong trading performance with total sales up 4.2 per cent.

“Harvester’s performance has been particularly good, supported by its new advertising campaign together with its new breakfast and takeaway menus.”

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