Marston's to open rooms at Telford pub

As the company revealed strong growth in its half-year results, it also said it will be extending its roll-out of accommodation to the Fallow Field in Hadley Park.

The 27-room premises is to open on Monday – one of five being built around the country this year.

Marston's opened seven new pubs in the first half of the year, and is planning to complete a total of 20 in the current financial year.

New pubs, growth of beer brands and the takeover of the Thwaites beer business for £25.1m last April helped the company to achieve growth in the six months to April 2, with underlying revenue for the Banks's beer maker up by 11.5 per cent to £428.7 million.

Underlying pre-tax profits were 11.8 per cent higher at £33.1 million.

Marston's, which operates around 1,600 pubs and employs around 13,500, said its three-year revamp - which completed last year - was successfully "widening our appeal" as it focuses on selling food and family dining.

Chief executive Ralph Findlay said: "In pubs, we have driven our growth by the organic development of pub-restaurants and franchise-style pubs, and more recently through investment in lodges and premium bars, widening our appeal.

"In brewing, we had an excellent first half year and achieved good growth through our industry-leading brands and service."

Profit increased across all areas of the business and Mr Findlay added: "We are encouraged by our first half performance and are on track to meet our expectations for the year."

The group has dozens of pubs in Shropshire, including 21 around Shrewsbury, 18 in Telford, and four in Market Drayton.

The shake-up of its estate has seen it open new pubs such as the Fallow Field in Hadley Park, and the Two Henrys in Battlefield in Shrewsbury.

The company moved into new headquarters at Marston's House in Brewery Road, Wolverhampton, earlier this year.

"It is proving a great investment, not just for Marston's but for the city," Mr Findlay said.

"It was an important statement for us to make and was a significant investment of £10m in Wolverhampton.

"Before spending it wed id think should we look at an alternative and go somewhere else, but we eventually decided that the majority of out staff work in the city and are from the area and the best thing was to stay in Wolverhampton.

"It was a big statement and shows our confidence in Wolverhampton as well."

Marston's, which operates around 1,600 pubs and employs around 13,500, said its three-year revamp - which completed last year - was successfully "widening our appeal" as it focuses on selling food and family dining.