World Cup and sunny weather boost Punch Taverns

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The company, which has more than 7100 pubs in the UK, said football fans flocking to the pub to watch matches have boosted trading in recent weeks.

The sunshine has also helped, more than making up for a dismal performance in January when Britain was gripped by snow and ice.

But Punch, which is grappling with debts of £3.2 billion, remained cautious about the outlook.

"We expect the trading outlook in the near term to continue to be uncertain," it said.

"The tax rises and reduction in public spending announced in the recent Budget will inevitably put further pressure on unemployment levels, reduce disposable incomes and constrain consumer confidence."

Punch said it was "on track" to meet expectations for the year.

The City is expecting profits of £128.7 million.

Average earnings per pub in its tenanted estate, where pubs are run by publicans who pay rent, were down 5% in first 44 weeks of the financial year.

At pubs managed directly by the company, sales were down 2.7%, an improvement on the 3.4% fall seen in the first 28 weeks.