NO-NONSENSE public houses group JD Wetherspoon toasted a five per cent rise in operating profits but said the six- month period had been hit by considerable cost increases.
The Watford-based company said sales had increased by 23 per cent to £350.6m with operating profit up to £35m.
But Wetherspoon's operating margins were down from 17.9 per cent to 16.1 per cent as a result of a combination of higher wages, repairs and insurance costs.
It said progress had continued during the period in many areas, with sales of food, traditional ales, wines and coffee being particularly strong.
The company, known for its no-music rule and cheap beer, said like-for-like sales during the six months to January 26 had increased by 4.7 per cent and this had moved up to 4.9 per cent in February.
Wetherspoons opened 21 pubs during the period, bringing its total number of outlets to 629, and expects to open about 50 pubs in this financial year.
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