Pubs group J D Wetherspoon has posted a warning that profits for the first half will be lower than the previous year because of rising costs.
The chain reported a 4.7% increase in like-for-like sales for the 25 weeks ended 18 January 2026, with bar sales up 6.9% and food sales up 1.3%, though hotel room sales saw a slight decrease of 0.7%.
Despite sales growth, increased costs for energy, wages, repairs, and business rates, totalling £45 million in the first 25 weeks, are expected to result in profits for the first half being lower than the previous year, and the full-year trading outcome is anticipated to be slightly below FY25 levels if current sales momentum continues.
The company has opened six pubs year-to-date and plans for 15 openings in the current financial year, alongside eight franchised pubs opened and an expectation of 10-15 more.
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