UK-based pub and restaurant operator Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has reported a 4.5% increase in like-for-like first-quarter sales, driven by strong demand during the Christmas period.

In a trading update for 15 weeks to 10 January 2026, the business recorded like-for-like growth of 7.7%. Across the five key festive days, like-for-like sales increased 10.5%.

Additionally, M&B said that total sales are up 3.5% in the year to date.

Over the 15-week period, like-for-like sales for food and drinks rose by 5.1% and 3.8%, respectively.

According to its website, M&B operates more than 1,700 pubs and restaurants across the UK. Its brand portfolio includes Harvester, Toby Carvery, All Bar One, Miller & Carter, Premium Country Pubs, Sizzling Pubs, Stonehouse and Vintage Inns among others.

Mitchells & Butlers chief executive Phil Urban said: “We are pleased to report another exceptionally strong festive trading period, marked by numerous record-breaking performances across our brand portfolio and continued market outperformance in every segment.

“Sales growth on key festive dates was particularly strong, with Christmas Day setting a new all-time record for the highest sales day, surpassing last year’s benchmark.”

The pub operator said that it continues to invest in its estate and has completed 51 conversions and remodels so far this year.

The company added that it expects around £130m ($174m) of year-on-year cost headwinds this financial year, driven mainly from higher labour costs and food inflation.

Urban added: “Our focus remains on tackling the significant cost headwinds faced by the industry this financial year through the effective execution of our Ignite programme and our successful capital investment programme, driving both cost efficiencies and increased sales.

“We remain well positioned to further grow market share in the year ahead by leveraging the strength of our diverse portfolio of established brands and enviable estate locations.”