Fuller's is one of London's last remaining brewers

The London-based brewer and pub chain says its marketing and investment in outdoor areas will cater for smokers.

The update came with the release of results showing a 16% rise in pre-tax profits to �12.7m for the six months to the end of September.

The smoking ban has a greater impact on pubs in winter because smokers are reluctant to go outside.

"Although it is still too early to definitively discern the true impact of the smoking ban, we approach the winter with cautious optimism and 90% of our pubs have a specific provision for smokers," Fuller's said.