Adnams, the Suffolk-based brewer and pub operator, suggested that it had turned a corner after putting a “very difficult year” behind it as it reported a return to profits for the first half.

The group, which has been brewing ale at the Sole Bay Brewery in Southwold since 1872, reported pre-tax profits of £882,000 ($1.45m) for the six months to the end of June, against losses of £148,000 during the same period last year.