Robust trading for Mitchells & Butlers’ first half

All Bar One and Toby Carvery owner Mitchells & Butlers has reported solid trading for the 28 weeks ended 11 April 2026.

Like-for-like sales grew 3.3% over the period, with total revenue increasing to £1,490m.

Profit before tax was reported at £143m, up from £134m, while the group’s adjusted operating profit stood at £181m, maintained from the previous year.

The group – whose portfolio of brands includes Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, Miller & Carter, and O’Neills – pointed to its labour scheduling technology, which has allowed it to enhance productivity and efficiency across its sites. While the gains were marginal, the group’s scale has seen significant efficiencies in the use of this technology.

The group is also actively enhancing the efficiency of its buildings, deploying a new HR platform and embracing AI for guests and central support functions.

Phil Urban, chief executive, said: “We have delivered another robust performance over the first half reflecting continued focus on enhancing guest appeal across our diverse portfolio of brands, driving sales growth through compelling customer offers and disciplined execution. Maintaining profits despite the significant inflationary cost challenges facing the sector is testament to the dedication of our teams in delivering the benefits of our Ignite and capital programmes. 

“Despite the backdrop of macro uncertainty our priorities remain unchanged, our guest scores are at record highs, we remain committed to the delivery of quality experiences, and we are well placed to further grow market share.”

Photo: Alex Segre/Shutterstock