Pubs operator JD Wetherspoon has seen sales fall 3.2% in the 11 weeks to January 13 as food demand failed to offset lower bar takings.

More customers are buying real ale, coffee and food. Operating margins are set to improve after lower energy and repair costs.

These positive factors haven't been enough to revive the group's fortunes. Like-for-like sales in the first half of its financial year are down 2%.

It has seen a fall in sales of premium lagers and spirits.

Wetherspoon indicated that its may push back some new pub openings. It remains cautious regarding the outlook for the current year, given the impact of the smoking ban.