Admiral Taverns Defies Gloom in Pubs Sector with Rising Profits

A northern pubs company has shown resilience against the challenges facing the hospitality sector by reporting an increase in sales and profits. Admiral Taverns, which operates 1,365 community pubs across the UK, primarily focusing on drinks rather than food, has enjoyed strong trading leading up to Christmas. Like-for-like sales in December rose approximately 8 per cent within its “proper pubs” division.

Chris Jowsey, the chief executive officer, expressed satisfaction with the performance, suggesting that many consumers opted for socialising over dining out. The majority of Admiral’s community pubs are situated in suburban or semi-rural areas, predominantly in the north of England. The pub company’s typical clientele is considered financially stretched, making the availability of affordable drinks essential.

Admiral Taverns plans to convert around another 120 of its pubs to the operator-managed model, which has proven successful in boosting revenues. The company invested £31.5 million last year in refurbishments, garden improvements, accommodation upgrades, and sustainability measures designed to reduce energy costs. These investments resulted in a revenue increase to £210.4 million for the twelve months ending June 1, up from £194.5 million the previous year, with underlying adjusted profit rising from £60.8 million to £68.9 million.

The results highlight the robustness of the business against a challenging market backdrop. Recently, the chancellor announced additional support for parts of the hospitality sector, which has been threatened by soaring business rates. Pubs and live music venues can expect a 15 per cent discount on business rates for 2026-27, with bills frozen in real terms for the next two years.

Jowsey welcomed the government’s responsiveness to the industry’s concerns regarding business rates. He insisted that the overall system requires proper and fair reform. The positive reception to the recent budget reflects the significance people attribute to pubs. Jowsey hopes that this recognition from politicians across the spectrum will lead to timely action to ensure the survival of local pubs.