BEER sales surged this month as the end of the summer heatwave failed to dry up consumers' thirst, according to upmarket grocery chain Waitrose.

Shopper appetite for ale and lager continued unabated in spite of the lower temperatures, more than doubling sales across a number of brands at the supermarket firm.

Sales figures from Waitrose for the week ending August 17 revealed that St Peter's Golden Ale increased by 396% while Timothy Taylor Landlord was up 202%.

Meanwhile, sales of world lagers Cobra and Peroni were up by 229% and 180% respectively, the retailer said.

Customers were also keen on spirits, pushing malt whisky 50% ahead and brandy up by 36%.

Away from alcohol, Waitrose said consumers displayed colder weather shopping habits compared with the same time last year.

Sales of gravies were up 27% and stocks were up 20%, with the firm reporting sales increases of 19% and 17% in frozen potatoes and root vegetables.

Overall revenues from the John Lewis Partnership owned supermarket were up by 7% year-on-year to £110.5 million.

Waitrose.com orders were 37.9% ahead, it said.

Meanwhile, sister company John Lewis hailed a 7.6% sales improvement to £65.8 million, overcoming a strong comparative with 2012 when trade was boosted by demand for Jubilee and Olympics merchandise.

It said reported strong performances in women's accessories and beauty, but sales of homewares struggled, particularly major furnishings.

However, a "back to university" furnishing accessories promotion did well, as did lighting and electrical goods. Online sales improved by 19.5%.

Barry Matheson, director of retail services, said John Lewis was entering the final week of the month "on good form" and was ready to take advantage of the Bank Holiday weekend.