Hollywood Bowl posts lower half-year profits although sales remain resilient

But it said with the trading boost a year earlier from the temporary VAT reduction stripped out, profits lifted 7.7 per cent to £24.8m.

It saw like-for-like sales rise 3.5 per cent and notched up record revenues of £110.2m over the half year.

The group said it remains aligned with full-year profit guidance and on track for new openings, with plans for at least three a year, saying it is “confident in resilient demand as customers look for value-for-money leisure experience”.

It has also seen visitors spend more money on snacks and sharer foods after introducing a simpler food menu, with comparable sales up 9 per cent for food and 1.7 per cent for drinks over the first half.

Stephen Burns, chief executive of Hollywood Bowl, said: “As we navigate the current economic landscape, we understand that many of our customers are facing challenges such as rising living costs and higher interest rates.

“This is why we continue to focus on providing a high-quality leisure experience that offers great value for money.

“We are proud that families and friends are continuing to choose our inclusive and affordable offerings for their leisure spending, and we are committed to maintaining this trend through the second half of the year.”