Butcombe Group records strong trade in first half of 2025
Following its rebrand from Liberation Group, Bristol-based operator Butcombe saw growth across all key categories, despite weak consumer confidence and a tough trade environment.
Butcombe Group has reported a robust start to the year, delivering 9.8% like-for-like (LFL) growth across its managed pubs division in the first half of 2025.
This performance shows a robust start to the year following the company’s rebrand from Liberation Group at the end of last year.
UK-based Butcombe Pubs & Inns led the way, achieving 11.9% LFL growth, while the Channel Islands’ Liberation Pubs & Bars posted a more modest but steady 3.9% LFL increase.
Commenting on the results, Jonathan Lawson, Butcombe Group CEO, said it was “great” to see such a strong performance despite a challenging trade environment and weak consumer confidence.
‘Confident’ to continue
This comes as big players in the UK hospitality scene have been forced to axe venues, as the sector suffers high tax burdens, regulatory pressures and rising operational costs. Simmons is the latest in a long line of businesses to collapse due to cost pressures, while BrewDog recently announced the closure of 10 bars and Oakman Inns filed for administration.
Meanwhile, at Butcombe Group, growth was driven across all key categories: Drink sales surged by 13.0%, food revenue rose by 8.0%, and accommodation grew 4.1%
Favourable weather, continued investment in outdoor spaces and an elevated food and drink proposition were key contributors to the strong performance. The company’s estate-wide enhancement strategy is paying off, with the accommodation arm, Butcombe Boutique Inns, outperforming the wider market.
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Lawson said the results were a testimony to the hard work of the team and reflective of the company’s investment in people, quality, customer experience and data.
“We approach the second half of the year with optimism and are confident that we can continue to outperform the market as we have done for a number of years,” he added.
Low-and-no success
Year-to-date occupancy sits at 77.8%, lifting to 84.8% in Q2, supported by 80 basis points growth year-on-year.
The Group also reported a 71% increase in Goram IPA Zero volumes, aligning with a broader market boom in the low-and-no category, which now accounts for 5% of total brewing volume. Recent wins include a Tesco listing and increased off-trade distribution.
Elsewhere in the brewing arm, Butcombe Original remains a regional heavyweight, with 2.25 million pints sold in the South West, while premium keg ales like Tall Tales Pale Ale continue to show robust momentum, and the UK Free Trade channel expanded by 6% year-on-year.
Looking ahead
Loyalty and customer data strategy has also contributed to Butcombe Group’s success, with active loyalty users growing 17.6% over the past year. Strategic investment in customer segmentation and targeted marketing has driven frequency and spend.
In terms of trading highlights, managed pubs recorded record days for Mother’s Day (+31%) and Father’s Day (+11%), while morning sales rose 36.6% and wedding revenues jumped 76%, signalling strong demand across multiple day parts and occasions. The Group reports a strong wedding pipeline for 2026.
Looking ahead, Butcombe Group remains optimistic for the remainder of 2025, citing sustained investment, innovation, and a growing base of loyal customers. However, the company notes the impact of ongoing consumer uncertainty and is calling for greater government support and stability for the hospitality and drinks sector.
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