Marston's drinks to festive boost

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"Wet" sales were up 4.8% in the 16 weeks to 21 January, though food sales were even better, up 5.5%.

The company, which runs more than 2,000 pubs, is pushing ahead with plans to open another 25 pub-restaurants in this financial year.

It said that Marston's beer brands, including Pedigree and Banks's, outperformed the market with own-brewed beer volumes 2% above last year.

Marston's chief executive, Ralph Findlay said: "We have a robust strategy in place, aligned to today's trading environment and continue to make good progress on our new build programme, creating around 1,000 new jobs in 2012 and each year thereafter."

Most pub chains have so far reported strong Christmas trading. They were helped by better weather this year compared to last, which made a trip outside to the local more appealing.

Paul Hickman at Peel Hunt said: "Marston's performance over Christmas was up there with its peers and, although it is too early to call the year, this strong first quarter must increase upgrade potential from our below-consensus forecast. Meanwhile the company's clear strategies for reducing debt and increasing return on capital remain on course."