15th Apr 2026 07:00
Hollywood Bowl Group plc
("Hollywood Bowl" or the "Group")
Half Year Trading Update & Notice of Results
CONTINUED GROWTH DRIVEN BY STRATEGIC INVESTMENT, UNDERPINNED BY STRONG DEMAND FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Hollywood Bowl Group, operator of the UK's and Canada's largest ten-pin bowling brands, announces a trading update for the six months ended 31 March 2026.
Strong revenue growth
· Strong revenue growth to £141.5m, up 9.5% compared to H1 FY2025
· UK total revenue up 9.4% on H1 FY2025, to £118.4m
· Canada revenue up 12.8% on a constant currency basis1, to CAD 42.9m (£23.2m)
· Like-for-like (LFL)2 revenue growth of +1.9%
o UK LFL: +2.6%
o Canada LFL: +0.5%, on a constant currency basis
Costs well controlled
· Continued track record of disciplined cost management
· High Gross margins make the business well-insulated against inflationary pressures
· 76% of the Group's total electricity needs are hedged until end of FY2029, including 12% provided from on-site solar3
Continued strategic progress
· Opened a new prime location in Edmonton, Canada in H1, trading well
· Group estate currently stands at 77 UK and 16 Canadian centres
· Two new UK centres and one Canadian centre due to open in H2
· Strong new centre pipeline for FY2027 and beyond
Disciplined capital allocation
· Robust balance sheet provides significant capital flexibility and supports growth strategy
· £8.6m capex invested in estate expansion, refurbishments and centre enhancements
· Net cash position at 31 March 2026 of £26.0m with undrawn £25m revolving credit facility
The Group remains confident in the outlook for FY2026 and beyond
Stephen Burns, Chief Executive Officer, said: "The benefits of the investments made throughout the UK and Canadian estate, combined with proactive demand generation initiatives and disciplined cost management, are reflected in our strong H1 performance. Demand for high-quality, family leisure activities that offer great value for money also remains resilient in both territories, and our cash generative business model allows us to invest where we see opportunities and deliver profitable growth."
Notice of Results
Hollywood Bowl will report its Interim Results on Wednesday 27th May 2026.
1. When reviewing in Canadian Dollars (CAD) to allow for the disaggregation of foreign currency effect. Canada revenue includes Striker Bowling Solutions (bowling equipment supply and maintenance) and bowling centres.
2. Like-for-like (LFL) revenue growth is total revenue excluding any new centres and closed centres. New centres are included in the LFL revenue after they complete the calendar anniversary of their opening date. Closed centres are excluded for the full financial year in which they were closed. LFL revenues exclude revenues from the Canadian Striker business which operates as a wholesaler and installer of bowling equipment and spare parts. Prior to FY2026 LFL revenue included the Canadian Striker business. We now consider it is appropriate to exclude the Canadian Striker business from LFL revenue in order to provide a clearer understanding of the underlying performance of our centres.
3.On an annualised basis in FY2026.
Enquiries:
Hollywood Bowl Group plc - Via Headland
Stephen Burns, Chief Executive Officer
Antony Smith, Chief Financial Officer
Mat Hart, Group Business Development Director
Headland
Rosh Field / Antonia Pollock
+44 (0)20 3805 4822
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