Young & Co.'s Brewery (AIM:YNGA) said trading for the current financial year is now expected to be ahead of market expectations, after total revenue rose 10.4% in the 26 weeks to 28 September.
Like-for-like sales grew 6.4% over the half, accelerating to 7.9% in the final 13 weeks, against what the premium London and South East pub operator called a strong prior-year comparator.
Pubs with gardens or riverside locations led the gains, with like-for-like sales up 7.5%, as customers took advantage of warm May bank holiday weather and extended opening hours during England's FIFA World Cup matches.
The update follows a record FY2026 in which Young's reported revenue of £508.2m, up 4.6%, and completed the £6.1m repurchase of 975,027 shares under its £10m buyback programme. The eight Cubitt House London pubs, acquired on 22 April for an undisclosed sum, have now been fully integrated, with management saying the sites "contributed immediately to the strength of Young's performance."
"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", said chief executive Simon Dodd.
The company continues to deploy its balance sheet toward selective pub acquisitions and share buybacks. Interim results are due on 12 November.