Trading Statement

Whitbread PLC
24 February 2004

EMBARGOED UNTIL 7AM - 24TH FEBRUARY 2004



Whitbread PLC pre-close trading statement


Whitbread PLC today reports on trading for the first 50 weeks of the company's
financial year.


Major brands - like-for-like sales growth                                      Week 33            Week 50

Beefeater                                                                         4.0%               4.0%
Brewers Fayre / Brewsters                                                         2.2%               1.5%
Marriott                                                                        (0.5%)             (0.2%)
Travel Inn                                                                        3.7%               3.6%
David Lloyd Leisure *                                                             6.5%               5.8%

(* weeks 31 and 48)



Whitbread chief executive, David Thomas said:



'Whitbread is in good shape with total group like-for-like sales up 2.4% on the
comparable period.  Despite significant disposals, total group sales also were
up 2.4% and I am comfortable with current market expectations ahead of our
full-year results in May. Our brands are performing well and work continues to
drive further value from our shareholders' assets.



'A year ago I challenged Beefeater to rediscover the form of which I know it is
capable. Since then we have converted 24 sites to a new format with very
encouraging results; and we have taken action to improve the quality of the
estate as a whole. Today's figures indicate that Beefeater is on track to
succeed, although there is still much to do.



'Brewers Fayre / Brewsters has had a slower year of growth, but is up against a
strong comparative period.  While like-for-like sales are disappointing, this
remains one of Britain's best-returning pub restaurant businesses and the sites
we have opened this year are trading well.



'Marriott's like-for-like sales have improved as the year has progressed and
reflect the gradual recovery in the market. Although the pace and timing of the
recovery remains uncertain, we have identified considerable opportunity to
further improve our profit per room as the market returns to growth.



'Travel Inn remains a consistently strong performer in terms of like-for-like
sales growth and remains on track to achieve its expansion target of over 1500
rooms in the current year.



'David Lloyd Leisure's like-for-like sales growth demonstrates that it is the
leading performer among sports, health and fitness club brands.  This is a
growing market and there is considerable demand for our club model.  A winning
formula of excellent locations, world-class facilities and expert teams of
sports and fitness professionals will ensure that David Lloyd leisure continues
to set the pace for the sector.'



The Preliminary Announcement of Whitbread's full-year results for the year ended
March 4th, 2004 will be on May 5th, 2004 when we will update the market on
current trading and the prospects for the new financial year.



                                     -ends-



Please contact:

David Reed                      020 7806 5436
Eric Dodd                       020 7806 5436
Julie Weldon                    020 7806 5443






                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange