Spirit Pub, a UK-based company with 1,300 pubs, has reported 3.7% increase in like-for-like sales at its managed pubs during the third quarter (Q3) to 26 May 2012.

Drink sales for the period of 12 weeks to 26 May 2012 were increased by 1.1% in the managed pubs.

Growth in drinks sales was primarily due to warm weather and additional bank holiday in April 2011.

The like-for-like net income at the leased pubs plunged 8% during the period.

However, after taking full control of the leased estate, the proportion of pubs has already increased by 3% from the half year to 87%.

In the managed estate, the company has invested in additional 21 pubs in the third quarter making the financial year total to 177.

Spirit Pub chief executive Mike Tye said they have delivered another quarter of good growth against a very strong trading period last year.

"Continued innovation and investment in our managed estate, people and brands has enabled us to once again to significantly outperform the market," Tye added.

"Our focus is now on maximising sales in our managed pubs during what promises to be a busy summer and stabilising performance in our leased estate.

"Whilst the consumer environment remains uncertain, we are confident in making further progress this year and remain on track to deliver our full year expectations."