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Wetherspoon says profit may miss forecasts as cost pressures weigh
- On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Wetherspoon chairman and founder Tim Martin warned that the pub chain may miss profit guidance following "substantial increases in costs."
- Rising expenses including National Insurance contributions and wages cost the business around £60 million yearly, while the company faces an extra £1.6 million in tax through the Extended Producer Responsibility packaging levy.
- Despite these financial pressures, the chain reported a 3.4 per cent rise in like-for-like sales for the 13 weeks to April 26, although the firm revealed slower sales growth over the latest quarter.
- CEO John Hutson attributed the cautious outlook to sales performance, stating, "I think now it's probably better to err on the side of caution given everything that's going on."
- The Samuel Peto in Folkestone is scheduled to close for seven weeks for a refurbishment project costing more than £550,000, as the firm continues its estate optimization.
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JD Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin warns profits may be hit amid rising cost pressures
JD Wetherspoon has warned profits could come in below market expectations after the pub chain reported slower sales growth in its third quarter amid rising labour and energy costs across the hospitality sector.
·Ireland
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources22
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 20%
C 60%
R 20%
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