Mitchells & Butlers

Mitchells & Butlers' shares fell about 4.5% to 262.5p after a trading update for the 42 weeks to 18 July 2026 showed like-for-like sales in the third quarter had stalled and missed expectations. The company cited the ongoing heatwave in Europe as the main cause, which dampened customer traffic and demand particularly at concepts such as Toby Carvery and Miller & Carter. Like-for-like sales are up 2.2% for the 42-week period to date, but the market focused on the sequential slowdown in the quarter. Rising gilt yields and higher oil prices also weighed on consumer-focused stocks. » More on de.investing.com

Independent Coffee Studio’s application to register the slogan “Eat Drink Work” has been opposed by a subsidiary of Mitchells & Butlers, which holds a similar ‘Eat Drink Meet’ trademark. The dispute has delayed the café’s merchandise, signage, menus and expansion plans as it prepares a defence to Old Kentucky Restaurants and engages Trade Mark Wizards for legal support. The case highlights trademark enforcement tensions between small businesses and large hospitality groups and could take up to two years to reach the tribunal. » More on theguardian.com

Enfield council has started forfeiture proceedings against Mitchells & Butlers after the partial felling last April of a 500-year-old oak at the Toby Carvery in Whitewebbs Park, an action carried out without the council's consent. The council says M&B refused to apologise or offer compensation and issued legal proceedings in November; the dispute is expected to reach court later this year or early next year. Officials are demanding a public apology, financial reparations and payment for a proposed £10,000 ‘life support’ scheme for the stump, while the Forestry Commission investigates the unauthorised felling. » More on theguardian.com