PUBS owner Mitchells & Butler revealed busier-than-expected Christmas trading – despite the economic storm clouds.

The owner of the Harvester and Toby Carvery chains said customers were still keen to treat themselves, while milder weather also contributed to the 6.5% jump in like-for-like sales for the nine weeks to January 21.

The group said trading since Christmas has been more subdued, with like-for-like sales back in the summer’s growth range of about 1%.