The performance of the pubs sector this year has been both puzzling and disappointing. Marston’s and Greene King, at least, are well positioned in the market, well funded without some of the legacy borrowings dragging down some of the others and with successful and growing brewing operations. The scepticism that has pushed back their shares is down to concern over consumer spending and the largely unconnected woes of companies such as The Restaurant Group. There is no doubt that any increase in inflation will put pressure on the amount people can spend on luxuries, but a night and/or meal at…

Source: The Times October 12, 2016 23:03 UTC