Pubs’ World Cup cheer

FOOTBALL fans lifted Pitcher & Piano owner Marston’s to record annual profits.

It expects underlying pre-tax profits of around £104m for the year to September 29, up 3.9pc on the £100.1m posted the previous year.

Marston’s, which also owns the Two For One chain, said trading was also boosted by the heatwave. Pub sales lifted 1.6pc in the final 10 weeks and the brewing business saw sales by volume soar 47pc. The group is expecting to report record revenues of more than £1.1bn, up 15pc year on year.

Shares fell 2.2pc, to 99p, despite the bullish yearend trading update.