Heineken suffered a profits hangover in the first half of the year as miserable weather cooled drinkers' thirst for lager.

The Dutch brewing giant, which owns a range of brands including Foster's and Newcastle Brown Ale, saw beer sales volumes dip by nearly 10% in the UK.

Even the recent heatwave did little to boost its fortunes, with spending still subdued amid difficult economic conditions.

Operating profits in western Europe were down 9% on a like-for-like-basis though they were steady across the wider group amid better performances in markets such as Asia and central and eastern Europe.

Revenues in western Europe dropped 5% on a like-for-like basis to 3.6 billion euros (£3.1 billion) on beer volumes down 8%. Operating profits in the region fell by 9% to 362 million euros (£309 million), compared to the same period in 2012.

Worldwide volumes declined by 3%, with like-for-like revenues down 1%. Net profit before one-off items was 679 million euros (£580 million), flat on a like-for-like basis as revenue per hectolitre increased 2%.