The recent spell of unseasonably warm and sunny weather was good news for managed pub and bar operator TCG, which saw its like-for-like sales rise 17% in the last week of September, compared with the same week in 2010.
The group's flagship outlet, the Tattershall Castle floating bar and restaurant on the Embankment in London (pictured), saw record numbers of customers.
Its sports-focused community pubs and student bars also benefited, thanks to a strong programme of sport.
TCG chief operating officer Nigel Wright said: "The combination of the great weather, pay day at the end of the month, students returning and a strong programme of sport on a 'super Saturday', including the England v Scotland Rugby World Cup clash, created a 'perfect storm' for TCG's diverse range of businesses.
"Even the darker evenings at this time of year didn't put people off, with beer gardens packed until late at night."
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By Neil Gerrard
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