JD Wetherspoon has said that it has recorded an increase of 5.2 per cent in its like-for-like sales during the 26 weeks to 26 January, 2014.

The company said that its operating profits were recorded at the level of £55.7million in the 26 weeks to 26 January, 2014.  Its revenues were ahead 9.1 per cent at £683.2million during the period as the company recorded strong performance in the period.  The company said that it is planning to open about 50 new pubs including in Ireland.

Chairman Tim Martin said, "It's a good set of results and a good base for the second half.  So far, so good.  The difficult thing is that the pub culture is very English and Irish so we will see how the Irish pubs go and then maybe think about opening in France.  I like the idea of opening in Dunkirk."

He said that he did not rule out plans to open new outlets in Europe.  He also urged the politicians in the UK to help create a level playing field with supermarkets on taxation ahead of the annual budget.