Wetherspoon beats forecast

PUBS group JD Wetherspoon has said sales in the second half of its financial year exceeded previous guidance, boosted by food and drink promotions and other marketing.

The group, which has almost 700 pubs in the UK, said like-for-like sales increased 0.4 per cent in the 11 weeks to July 13.

In the 50 weeks to July 13, like-for-like sales for the group fell by one per cent, with overall sales up 2.2 per cent.

"We consider the outcome a satisfactory performance in the current environment," it said.