The spectre of thousands of job losses looming over the City has failed to dent pub takings in the Square Mile, according to Fuller’s, the London brewer and pub operator. The company said yesterday that takings in City hostelries, such as the Counting House on Cornhill, were in line with the 2.2 per cent like-for-like sales increase enjoyed by its managed pub division in the 33 weeks to November 15. Echoing comments on Thursday by Young’s, its London rival, Michael Turner, the Fuller’s chief executive, said: “The City is still doing well.” Yesterday Fuller’s reported a 1 per cent decline in half-year pretax profits before exceptionals to £12 million, while adjusted earnings per share rose by 1 per cent to 15.29p. The interim dividend is up 2 per cent at 2.85p.

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