Marston’s Group pub company has reported a “strong trading performance” with sales up over the key festive dates.

In an update for the 16-week period to 20 January, and ahead of its AGM, total retail sales in the group’s managed and franchised pubs were up 8.8 per cent on last year.

Both drink sales and food sales were strong, demonstrating, the Wolverhampton-based company said, the resilience and appeal of predominantly suburban pubs.

Like-for-like sales for the 16-week period were up 8.1 per cent, reflecting strong trading over the festive period.

Sales in the first nine weeks of the 16-week period to 2 December were up 7.4 per cent, with positive trading momentum continuing into the festive period.

In the following seven weeks, like-for-like sales were up 8.4 per cent, and for the key festive days – Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve – like-for-like sales were up by 9.6 per cent.

Marston’s CEO Justin Platt said: “I am pleased to report a strong trading performance.

“This, together with an improving outlook in which inflationary headwinds are broadly abating, and the actions we are taking to operate more efficiently and rebuild margins, position Marston's well for the year ahead.”