Leading pub companies in the UK, Greene King and the Spirit Pub Company have recorded a rise in sales despite a negative impact of the London Olympic games.

The Bury St Edmunds-based brewer, Greene King said that its sales have grown 5.1 per cent during the previous 18 weeks compared to the same period in the previous year. While, the owner of the Chef & Brewer and Fayre & Square brands, Spirit Pub Company said that its sales rose 4.1 per cent in the 12 weeks to August 18.

Greene King operates 2,300 outlets while Spirit Pub Company runs 1,300 pubs following its demerger from Punch Taverns. The two companies said that the sales rose even after slower times during the mega sporting event as most tourists flocked to East London, leaving out other parts of the city.

Greene King said in a statement that Old Speckled Hen and Greene King IPA beer recorded strong growth. Total beer volumes rose 0.4 per cent at the company. Spirit said that the rise in drink rose 3.3 per cent in the quarter to 18 August compared to the same period of the previous year.