Sales of traditional ales were strong

The group saw sales rise by almost one quarter to £350.6m in the six months to the end of January, thanks in part to the opening of 21 pubs.

On a like-for-like basis, takings rose by 4.9% last month, Friday's statement said.

Sales of traditional ales, food wines and coffee were "particularly strong" over the six months, chairman Tim Martin said.

But he warned that the firm had suffered a "considerable increase in costs".

Pre-tax profits for the six months hit £25.6m, disappointing analysts who had expected earnings of £26m-27m.

But Mr Martin said he remained "confident about future prospects".

"I believe these cost increases will abate," he said.

"That, combined with our continued sales growth and opening programme, should provide a profitable and cash generative future for the company."

Tougher times

The firm has suffered from higher wages and excise duty, and rising insurance and repair bills.

The company has also been hit by tighter consumer spending, which has hit overall drink sales, and a profits warning in November saw Wetherspoons shares slump by 28.4% to 181.5p.

Although food sales have remained strong, they account for only a small part of the group's turnover.

Nonetheless, Wetherspoons said it was continuing its opening programme, which in the firm's growth heyday saw 100 pubs open every year.

The firm will open about 30 pubs by the end of July, taking the total to around 660.

Wetherspoons stock stood 7.5p higher at 171p in early trade in London on Friday.