Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has posted positive preliminary annual results.

British pub company JD Wetherspoon has released its preliminary annual results today showing record sales figures despite the downward trend in eating out.

Like-for-like sales grew by 1.2% in the 52 weeks ended 26 July as the popular pub chain offered affordable meals throughout the day as well as servicing the night time drinking crowd.

Wetherspoon, which has 731 pubs across the UK and opened 39 new pubs during the year, made a profit before tax of £66.2 million, 13.6% more than one year earlier. Total revenue also increased by 5.2% over the year to £955.1m.

Tim Martin, Chairman of Wetherspoon, commented on the success of the firm: “Our approach remains one of trying to make lots of small improvements in diverse areas of the business, creating momentum in the service and facilities offered to customers, as well as sales and profits for the company.

“Our combination of bar, food and coffee sales helps to ensure that pubs are busy throughout much of the week, maximising profits and employment opportunities, as well as generating volume growth for many of our suppliers.”

Wetherspoon claims to be the only large pub firm that opens its doors in the morning, reportedly selling more than 715,000 breakfasts and coffees each week.

Despite the ongoing economic crisis, Wetherspoon remain optimistic that its positive results will continue. The firm stated: “As a result of our strong cash flow, our dedicated management team and our continuing efforts to improve the business, we remain confident of our future prospects.”