Summer heat cools Costa sales growth However, this was largely due to new store openings, with like-for-like sales up at a more modest 5.7pc, and the figures revealed a slowdown in sales growth over the summer. Like-for-like revenues grew by just 3pc in the 11 weeks to August 15, compared to 8pc in the 13 weeks to May 30, while total sales grew 16.5pc against 24.8pc. Costa did, however, benefit from global expansion. The chain, which operates in 27 countries, has profited from a growing international coffee culture, especially in Asia, where Costa's sales grew by 53pc compared with the same period last year. Premier Inn, meanwhile grew sales by 12.1pc, or 2.9pc on a like-for-like basis as it opened 11 new hotels - or 1,270 new rooms. Chief executive Andy Harrison said sales had been particularly strong in London, up 17.7pc. However, Whitbread's restaurants business, which includes Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, posted a like-for-like sales decline of 0.2pc, which Mr Harrison said this was in line with the rest of the industry. "We are on track with our annual plan and our ambitious five year growth milestones," he said. Combined with our emphasis on returns, this growth should continue to create substantial shareholder value. Overall, Whitbread posted 12.4pc sales growth in the 24-week period, and a 2.6pc rise on a like-for-like basis. This was below expectations, and sent shares in the company down 3.6pc in early trading.