Shepherd Neame reports strong Christmas trading

Pub operator and brewer Shepherd Neame recorded strong sales in the second half of 2025.

During the 26 weeks to 27 December 2025, like-for-like trade was up 4.5% for the pub group, which numbers 285 sites in south-east England.

The festive season provided even more cheer, with like-for-like sales up 8.1% for the five weeks to 3 January 2026, driven by a strong performance inside the M25 at 12.6% growth.

Its 223-strong tenanted estate also continued to deliver “robust performance”, with like-for-like pub income up +3.1% for the H2 period.

However, total beer volume was down 6.6% in the trading period and own beer volume was down 11.6%, with Shepherd Neame blaming this on “the ongoing decline in national volumes”.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “Demand has remained resilient throughout this period in our pub business, and we have enjoyed a particularly strong Christmas trading period.

“Whilst our sector continues to face cost headwinds, we expect these to ease as we progress through 2026. The company continues to trade in line with the board’s expectations.”

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, was established in 1698 in Faversham, Kent, and brews own-brand beers including Spitfire, Bishops Finger, Whitstable Bay and Bear Island.

The group employs around 1,500 people.