Butcombe Group reports strong first half trading following investment in elevated food offering, loyalty and data and premium rooms offering: Butcombe Group, formerly Liberation Group, has reported strong first half trading following investment in an elevated food offering, loyalty and data and the premium rooms offering at Butcombe Boutique Inns. The company, which operates over 120 pubs and inns with over 400 rooms, reported 9.8% like for like growth for the six months from 26 January to 26 July 2025 across the managed pubs division – including drink at 13.0%, food at 8.0% and accommodation 4.1%. Butcombe Pubs & Inns performed at 11.9% like for likes, building on the strong performance for the business in 2024, with Channels Islands Liberation Pubs & Bars recording 3.9% like for like growth. The company also reported a 17.6% growth in active loyalty users over the last 12 months and occupancy growth of 80 bps year-on-year, delivering 77.8% occupancy year to date. It said growth has been achieved across all categories, with standout performances in drink sales, boosted by favourable weather and ongoing strategic investments across the estate, including the enhancement of external areas. It said food continues to perform well across the estate, building on double digit growth last year, while the accommodation business is outperforming the broader market, with strong demand across the portfolio of 11 Butcombe Boutique Inns resulting in increased direct bookings, occupancy and revenue. The company said with morning sales are up 36.6% while weddings delivered 76% growth versus last year. Its managed pubs achieved record trading days for both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, showing 31% and 11% growth respectively versus the previous year. The company said cask ales remain robust, outperforming market expectations despite warmer weather, while premium keg ales continue strong growth. Looking ahead, the company said it remains optimistic for the second half of the year, but in the face of weak consumer confidence, would be keen to see government support and stability for the sector. Chief executive Jonathan Lawson said: “It is great to see such a strong performance for the first half of 2025, despite a challenging trading environment and weak consumer confidence. It’s a testimony to the hard work of the entire team and reflective of our ongoing investment in people, quality, customer experience and data. We approach the second half of the year with optimism and are confident that we can continue to outperform the market as we have done for a number of years.”

Grosvenor Casinos makes single biggest investment as it unveils £15m refurbishment of flagship west London venue: Grosvenor Casinos, part of Rank Group, has unveiled the £15m refurbishment of its flagship west London venue, The Victoria. The Edgware Road venue has been transformed into a premium gaming experience. Featuring contemporary upgrades to its two casino floors, gaming terrace and poker room, the casino’s relaunch represents the single biggest investment Grosvenor Casinos has made across its 50-strong estate. Grosvenor Casinos’ makeover of The Victoria comes as casinos prepare to take advantage of the legislative changes permitted by the Gambling Act Review. These reforms will enable the flagship casino to double its gaming machine allocation to 80 machines and introduce sports betting to customers for the first time. The venue’s restaurant has undergone a redesign, and the premium dining experience features a new menu of Middle Eastern and Arabic cuisine. Mark Harper, managing director at Grosvenor Casinos, said: “This £15m renovation marks our boldest investment ever in a single site and is a statement of intent to modernise Grosvenor’s presence in London and across other casinos in England and Wales in line with the opportunities provided to us by the new legislation.”