Profits have almost doubled at Birmingham pub group Michells & Butlers after a revenue rise.

The firm posted pre-tax profits of £150 million for the year to September 28 after seeing sales increase by 2.2 per cent, to £1.9 billion.

It represented a major rise, compared to the £83 million pre-tax profits last year, after the group found further success targeting food income.

Alistair Darby, chief executive, said: "We have worked hard this year to deliver our transformation plan and position Mitchells & Butlers for future growth. 

"We are proud that, through the measures we have taken, we have been able to grow sales and build our margins in a challenging and competitive consumer environment, leading to EPS growth of 17%.

"I am confident that our continued emphasis on developing our people, focusing on our brands and delivering great service for our guests will result in a better business and produce sustainable value for shareholders in the future."

The shift from "wet" pubs to food-focused operations has boosted M&B's margins, which were up 0.5 per cent to 16.5 per cent across the year.

The firm also enjoyed a £31 million increase in property value as a result of annual revaluation and impairment review