“We saw the ban coming and spent a significant amount of money in our pub gardens to look after our customers,”  said chairman Michael Turner. “That helped us get ahead of the game.”

Adjusted pre-tax profits rose 4 per cent to £23million and revenues were 2 per cent up at £181.1million for the year ended March 29. Sales growth was led by beer, notably Organic Honey­dew Ale, and food sales were boosted by using locally sourced products.

However, sales slowed as the year ended, affec­ted by higher ingredient costs and a downturn in spending. Turner said:
“People are seeing rising costs in their mortgages, utility bills and petrol. There is huge uncert­ainty in their minds.”

He was confident a £16million investment in the pubs would main­tain growth this year.