Spirit forecasts summer boost

Spirit Pub Company, which has 1,300 pubs following its demerger from Punch Taverns last summer, said like-for-like sales at its managed estate grew 3.7 per cent in the 12 weeks to May 26, in a slowdown on the 5.6 per cent in the previous six months.

It was hit by comparisons with strong figures last year, when the Royal Wedding boosted trade, and the impact of miserable weather in recent weeks.

But Spirit said it outperformed its rivals and it will hold off on revamping its pubs until after the summer as it looks to cash-in amid the Olympics and Euro 2012 football championships, which are set to boost trade.

Chief executive Mike Tye said the business managed to “significantly outperform” the rest of the market.

He added: “Our focus is now on maximising sales in our managed pubs during what promises to be a busy summer.”