Young's strong summer sales extend momentum from record breaking year

Young & Co's Brewery PLC on Wednesday said it had carried the momentum of its record-breaking performance in 2025 into the first half of 2026, with trading now expected to be ahead of market expectations.

The London-based pub operator said in a trading update covering the 26 weeks to September 28 that total revenue rose 10%, while like-for-like sales increased 6.4% and accelerated to 7.9% in the latest 13 weeks, compared with 5.7% a year before.

Young's said it benefited significantly from exceptionally warm weather and a busy summer of sport, including the FIFA World Cup, with extended opening hours for England matches boosting sales. Trading for the financial year is now expected to be ahead of current market expectations, the company said.

Chief Executive Simon Dodd said: "Boosted by excellent trading across the summer months, supported by the record weather and exciting sporting events, Young's has delivered another period of outstanding performance. Our relentless focus on quality meant that when the sun shone and the matches were aired, customers chose Young's for our premium offer and the fantastic atmosphere created by our brilliant teams.

"Cubitt House's exceptional collection of pubs are now fully embedded into the Young's family, and we continue to deliver against our strategic priorities.

"Despite the well-publicised headwinds that face our sector, our premium estate continues to outperform, and we now look forward to delivering a full-year performance that exceeds previous expectations."

Shares in Young's were up 8.6% at 925.60 pence per share on Wednesday morning in London.

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