Shepherd Neame has reported a “profitable” three months since July reopening, however is expecting a “challenging” winter ahead.
The Kent-based brewer and pub company’s like-for-like sales were down 7.9% in the period, with coastal and destination sites performing well, but city centre and central London drinks-led pubs seeing a slower recovery.
The company stated: “Since our last update on 1 July, almost all of our pubs have reopened, traded successfully and benefited from the Eat Out To Help Out scheme across the summer. Our London pubs have been the last to open and most of these in the last few weeks.
“Reopening our estate required the development of new ways of working, significant staff training and the introduction of extensive protective measures for staff and to ensure our pubs are covid-secure. Our licensees and team members have adapted to the new ways of working magnificently and immense gratitude is due for their enthusiasm and determination during a very difficult period.
“Our new financial year started on 28 June. In the 13 weeks since 4 July when pubs were allowed to reopen, the business has been profitable and cash generative. Net debt at the year end was £84.4m with an additional £11m of tax liabilities that had been deferred in agreement with HMRC. As at 26 September net debt was £82.4m with the tax liabilities that had been deferred reduced to £5.7m with a further £1.2m of general deferrals. Liquidity is sufficient for the foreseeable future. Like-for-like sales in those 64 managed pubs and hotels that were open for this period were down 7.9%. Our coastal and destination sites have performed well and food and accommodation sales have been strong but our city centre and central London drinks-led outlets less so.
“For the 13 weeks to 26 September, we achieved 73% of prior year tenanted pub income. This includes substantial rental support for our licensees throughout the period and the phased opening of our pubs. Own brand beer and cider volumes since the start of the new financial year are down 1.9% versus last year.
“We anticipate trading during the winter months will be challenging as the new restrictions, such as the ‘rule of six’ and 10pm curfew, impact business and consumer confidence; but we welcome the extension of the reduced VAT rate of 5% until March 2021. Results for the year ending 27 June 2020 will be announced later than usual on Wednesday, 4 November with the annual general meeting to be held on Wednesday, 2 December.”
