IT’S A DRAW
The World Cup was a game of two halves for beer giant Marston’s.
The summer’s football tournament in Russia – where England reached the semi-finals – boosted sales in its drink-led pubs.
But, together with the scorching weather, it dented demand in its foodie outlets, which include the Pitcher & Piano chain.
While turnover increased 15% to more than £1.1billion in the year to October, profits only edged up 3.9% to £104million.
The bottom-line figure was well short of analysts’ expectations, prompting its share price to drop yesterday.
Output in its brewing arm – which makes Pedigree, Hobgoblin and Bombardier – leapt 47% after it bought rival Charles Wells.