UK pub firm profits lifted by food sales

British pubs and brewing group Fuller, Smith & Turner reported an 11% hike in half-year profits today as efforts to drive hotel business and food sales paid off.

The firm, which is based in Chiswick, west London, said like-for-like sales in its key managed pubs and hotels arm lifted 3.3% during the six months to September 26.

Underlying group profits rose to £15.7m (€18.4m) in the first half and Fuller said it hoped the firm’s heartland in the south of England would help shield it from much of the impact of British Government spending cuts.