The proprietor of eight drinking establishments across Oxfordshire has promised to restrain pricing following what the company describes as an increase in hidden fiscal burdens.

Tim Martin, chairman of the pub chain, indicated that earnings may fall marginally short of current market forecasts but affirmed that the business would maintain price increases at minimal levels.

He delivered these remarks in the company’s half-yearly trading update, released on the morning of March 20.

The chain operates eight venues throughout Oxfordshire. These comprise The Four Candles, The Swan & Castle and The William Morris in Oxford, alongside The Exchange and The Penny Black in Banbury and Bicester respectively. Additional sites include The Narrows in Abingdon, The Company of Weavers in Witney and The Catherine Wheel in Henley.

Within his accompanying commentary, Mr Martin observed that numerous concealed levies, encompassing business electricity tariffs and packaging duties, had not benefited the company’s financial position.

He noted that earlier announcements regarding elevated national insurance contributions and wage costs would generate additional expenditure of roughly £60 million annually, while non-fuel energy expenses would contribute an extra £7 million.

Despite these pressures, he emphasised his commitment to ensuring any retail price adjustments remained modest.

The update disclosed that six company-operated venues had commenced trading while six others were divested or ceased operations, leaving 794 managed pubs currently open for business.

Financial performance showed revenues of £1,088 million during the opening six months of the 2026 financial year.