Hollywood Bowl Group (LSE:BOWL) reported strong first-half results for the six months ended 31 March 2026, with revenue rising 9.5% to £141.5 million and adjusted EBITDA after rent increasing 8.9% to £42.2 million. Growth was supported by resilient consumer demand for affordable leisure activities and higher spend per game across the estate. Like-for-like sales increased 2.3% overall, including a 2.6% rise in the UK and modest growth in Canada despite weather-related disruption. The company said disciplined cost management helped offset labour and broader input cost pressures during the period.
Adjusted profit before tax climbed 8.1% to £32.1 million, while net cash improved to £26 million. The stronger balance sheet supported a 10.2% increase in the interim dividend and the launch of a £5 million share buyback programme. Hollywood Bowl is continuing to accelerate its growth strategy through new site openings and refurbishments across both the UK and Canada. Management reiterated long-term targets of reaching 95 UK locations by 2035 and 35 Canadian centres by 2032, supported by initiatives including dynamic pricing, AI-driven marketing and a highly cash-generative operating model designed to support both expansion and shareholder returns.
Hollywood Bowl’s outlook continues to be driven by strong financial performance and relatively attractive valuation metrics. Although some technical indicators point to potential short-term weakness, the group’s solid underlying fundamentals and appealing dividend yield continue to support a positive longer-term view.
More about Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl Group (LSE:BOWL) is the largest operator of ten-pin bowling centres in the UK and Canada, offering experience-led leisure activities including bowling, food and beverage services, and amusement attractions. The company focuses on family entertainment and social outings, targeting growth through investment in prime locations, venue refurbishments and expansion within two fragmented leisure markets.
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