Pub chain Marston’s has reported a rise in revenue after seeing sales grow in both its food and wet divisions.

In a statement following the end of the firm’s financial year on October 2, it revealed like-for-like sales were 1.7 per cent ahead of last year, including like-for-like food sales growth of 2.5 per cent and like-for-like wet sales growth of 1.4 per cent in its managed pubs division.

The Wolverhampton-based firm said the success of its food offers, which account for around 40 per cent of sales, and the implementation of our new-build strategy continue to drive growth had been behind the improvement.

It also revealed an improvement in operating margins after axing 17 lower-margin sites.

Like-for-like profits are estimated to be 3.7 per cent below last year, however, this compares favourably to the 4.5 per cent decline reported in May.

The group said: “We have seen improving trends in each division and made good progress in implementing our strategy. Our focus on value for money, high quality pubs, food and local beers places us in a strong position to meet the challenges ahead.”