Trading, staycations, UK hotels, CPG, Punch Pubs, Wendy’s & other:

A DAY IN THE LIFE:

Well, Hull City achieving a nil-nil draw at home vs Millwall in the first leg of the promotion play-offs looks like an unfolding of the stressful disaster that had been widely predicted.

Another draw tonight, extra-time and a loss on penalties now looks on the cards.

And, at least after that, we could relax for a few weeks until next season’s relegation struggle commences but a win?

Well, nobody would turn down the chance to stay in the race to spend another season as the Premiership’s whipping boy but enjoyable? Not really.

Anyway, enough of that and, as we face up to another five-day week, let’s move on to the news:

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PUBS & RESTAURANTS:

Trading:

NIQ’s has updated on wet sales via its Daily Drinks Tracker for the three weeks to 2 May, saying that the middle of the three weeks registered positive trading whilst the first and last week showed that sales had fallen…

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Staycations:

See Holidays section below. Here just to say that staycations keep people and their money in the UK where, all things being equal, they are likely to spend more on hospitality and leisure services than they otherwise would have done.

PUNCH PUBS

Compass Group has reported H1 numbers saying that revenue on an underlying basis (stripping out currency effects) rose by 9% to $25.0bn. Operating profit was up 12% at $1.839bn and EPS was up by a similar 12% at 72.8c. The company is announcing a 13% hike in its dividend to 25.5c…

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Punch Pubs Group, which is owned by Cayman Isles company CF Cooper Holdings LP (which is itself controlled by Fortress Investment Group), has reported 28 week numbers to 22 Feb 2026. It reports ‘strong revenue and EBITDA growth’. It says that revenue rose by 9.4% to £184.1m (2025: £168.3m) and underlying EBITDA rose by 7.0% to £50.2m (2025: £46.9m). Growth was ‘driven by like-for-like estate performance; profits from Pub Partnerships transfers; and selective acquisitions of single sites and small pub portfolios.’

Estate development:

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COMPANY NEWS:

In the US, Wendy’s on Friday reported Q1 numbers saying that global systemwide sales were $3.2 billion, a decrease of 5.5%. It reports that international systemwide sales grew 6.0%, implying that, other things being equal, US sales were negative…

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Punch Pubs has acquired the Tutt pub in Boroughbridge, York. The company reports that ‘the historic pub offers a carefully curated selection of speciality real ales to be enjoyed in a cosy retreat with a crackling fire or over a game of pool in the pub’s entertainment area.’

Inspire Brands, which operates the Arby’s, Dunkin’ and Baskin Robbins chains of restaurants amongst others, has reportedly filed documents ahead of an IPO of its shares.

New London rooftop bar Freight Brixton is reported set to become the largest in London with capacity of 1,000 at the open-air venue.

The FT notes that Chinese bubble tea operator Mixue, which has more stores globally than McDonald’s at outlets, continues to expand at pace.

HOLIDAYS & LEISURE TRAVEL:

Staycations. The BBC reports PM Sir Keir Starmer’s comments that ‘people might change where they go on holiday this year.’ The BBC reports that Booking.com and Airbnb have both told it that ‘they were already seeing an increase in demand for domestic bookings, with searches for May half-term UK holidays up 20% on Booking.com compared with last year, and searches for UK stays for the May bank holidays up 15% on Airbnb….’

The International Air Transport Association is now suggesting that US-grade jet fuel could be acceptable in the short term in order to head off any supply problems that could be upcoming over the summer.

London hotels. Accountant RSM has reported that occupancy of London hotels fell in March, in early signs that the Middle East war is hitting international travel. Data compiled and produced by Hotstats and analysed by RSM UK has reported that occupancy of London hotels fell from 76.3% to 74.8% in March year-on-year, but rose slightly from 73.2% to 73.6% in the UK….

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TTG reports that Kuoni is set to close its nine concessions and one pop-up shop at John Lewis at the end of September.

Expedia has reported Q1 numbers saying that bookings rose by 13% year over year with revenue up by 15%. The company reports that ‘momentum from late 2025 carried through February, delivering our best first quarter start in three years.’

OTHER LEISURE:

The Telegraph reports that. despite a £50m lifeline backed by billionaire chairman Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin shares have sunk to record lows, and doubts are mounting over how long his financial commitment can last. It suggests that the company may end up with Chinese owners.

The Trump Media and Technology Group has reported Q1 losses of nearly $406m on revenues of less than $1m….

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FINANCE & MARKETS:

Sterling up slightly at $1.3579 and €1.1561. Oil around $4 higher over the weekend at $105.63. UK 10 year gilt yield down 3 basis points at 4.91%. world markets overall lower on Friday and into Monday but London set to open around 29 points higher as at 6.30am.

The Halifax has reported that the price of the average house in the UK fell marginally in April. The Halifax says that ‘after a strong start to the year, recent global developments have added a greater degree of uncertainty to the outlook.’

RETAIL WITH NICK BUBB:

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