Young & Co’s Brewery has delivered exceptional festive trading whilst announcing plans to graduate from AIM to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market.
The pub operator, which focuses on London and the South of England, saw like-for-like sales surge 11.2% during the three weeks to 5 January 2026. This notably came against particularly strong prior-year comparatives.
Performance over key trading days proved especially robust. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day saw like-for-likes rise 12.3%. The former City Pub Company estate, acquired by Young’s, delivered standout growth of 26% over Christmas and Boxing Day, reflecting successful integration with Young’s wider proposition.
“We are delighted with the outstanding trading performance in our pubs over the festive period. Once again, this demonstrates the ongoing appeal of our premium, well-invested offer and another amazing contribution from the talented and hard-working team at Young’s,” said Simon Dodd, CEO of Young’s.
“During the six weeks of the festive period, we recorded our highest ever sales in one day, setting multiple daily and weekly records across our estate.”
For the 14-week period ending 5 January, total managed revenue increased 5.6%, with like-for-like growth of 5.7%. This builds on positive momentum reported in November’s interim results. Year-to-date managed revenue like-for-like growth now stands at 5.4%.
Main Market Ambitions
Young’s is also the latest company to signal it is throwing in the towel on AIM. Thankfully, it’s remaining listed and hopes to move to the Main Market.
The company has confirmed its intention to apply to the FCA for admission to the Official List and trading on the Main Market. The move, planned for Q2 2026, would see Young’s AIM listing cancelled.
Management believes the upgrade will enhance the corporate profile and facilitate investment from a broader range of UK and global institutional shareholders. Young’s points to considerable growth in both size and performance in recent years as justification for the move.