Young’s has reported a strong start to its financial year, with revenue up 9.4% in the first 14 weeks and like-for-like sales rising 5.5% against a demanding prior-year comparison.
The premium pub and bedrooms operator, which issued the update ahead of today’s AGM in Wandsworth, said momentum from its full-year results in May has carried into the new year.
Trading was boosted by an exceptional late May bank holiday weekend, particularly at pubs with gardens and riverside sites, along with the start of the FIFA World Cup, where extended opening hours for later England matches drew in punters, and a more recent lift from Wimbledon.
The recently acquired Cubitt House estate has also made an early contribution and is integrating as planned.
Young’s said the performance reflects its strategy of operating premium, individual, well-invested pubs and bedrooms, and it remains confident in the year ahead despite the challenges facing the sector, with selective investment continuing across the estate.
Simon Dodd, CEO of Young’s, said: “We are very pleased with our strong start to the new financial year, and I would like to thank all our teams for their hard work and dedication in delivering this performance.”
“Our premium, well-invested and differentiated pubs and bedrooms continue to deliver, with Young’s pubs performing strongly in the first quarter. This was supported by favourable weather, a busy summer of sport, with England’s success in the World Cup so far a welcome boost, and contributions from our expanded estate, as we integrate the Cubitt House pubs.”
“While the backdrop remains challenging, we are well-positioned and looking ahead to the rest of the year with confidence.”
Young’s recently reported a 4.6% increase in revenue to £508m in the year to 30 March 2026.