Mitchells & Butlers reports record-breaking Christmas

All Bar One owner Mitchells & Butlers has reported an “exceptionally strong” Christmas trading period, with a number of record-breaking performances across its brands.

Like-for-like growth of 7.7% was recorded over the core three-week period, supported by volume growth, while like-for-like sales growth of 10.5% was achieved over the five key festive trading days of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

In its first quarter trading statement covering the 15 weeks to 10 January 2026, Phil Urban, chief executive, said: “We are pleased to report another exceptionally strong festive trading period, marked by numerous record-breaking performances across our brand portfolio and continued market outperformance in every segment.

Sales growth on key festive dates was particularly strong, with Christmas Day setting a new all-time record for the highest sales day, surpassing last year’s benchmark.”

Total sales across the group have grown by 3.5% in the year to date.

Urban added: “Our focus remains on tackling the significant cost headwinds faced by the industry this financial year through the effective execution of our Ignite programme and our successful capital investment programme, driving both cost efficiencies and increased sales. We remain well-positioned to further grow market share in the year ahead by leveraging the strength of our diverse portfolio of established brands and enviable estate locations.”

While the group, whose portfolio of brands includes Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, Miller & Carter, and O’Neills, is facing around £130m additional costs from labour and food inflation, its first quarter results has provided confidence in its ability to manage these headwinds.

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