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