JD Wetherspoon (LON:JDW) has reported a 5.1% jump in like-for-like sales over the past 12 weeks, boosted by warm weather, booming chicken orders and a post-pandemic rebound in pints and Pinot.
The pub chain said trading in its financial fourth quarter was strong, with wine, Guinness and breakfasts among the star performers. Founder Tim Martin said volumes that were sluggish in the years following COVID lockdowns have now overtaken pre-pandemic levels.
“Wine has shot the lights out – Villa Maria from New Zealand and prosecco from Italy are both flying,” Martin said. “Draught volumes are strong too, with Guinness the standout performer. Chicken has put in a clucking good performance and is up around 50% on pre-COVID levels.”
Breakfast orders, once among the weakest categories, have bounced back, while whisky and spirits have also gained ground.
The pub group expects full-year profit to land in line with market expectations. It will publish its results for the financial year ending this Sunday on 3 October.
Shares in JD Wetherspoon rose 3.2% to 805.50p on Wednesday morning.