Mitchells & Butlers says football and beer beat food in Q3

Pub and restaurant operator Mitchells & Butlers on Thursday said third quarter like-for-like sales growth was 0.9% as customers preferred World Cup football and beer to eating.

Comparable food sales fell 1.8% as the sunny weather helped drinks sales increase by 3.9%.

M&B said cost headwinds remained “largely unchanged” were expected to lead to margins being lower than last year.

The company, which owns the All Bar One, Harvester and Toby Carvery brands, said it was confident of hitting full year expectations.

“We have been encouraged to see sales recover now that the World Cup has finished,” said chief executive Phil Urban.