Cancellation Pref Shr Capital

WHITBREAD PLC
28 July 1999

Cancellation and Repayment of Preference Share Capital

Whitbread PLC announces that on Wednesday 21 July 1999 the High Court confirmed
the reduction of capital by means of the cancellation of:

(i)   4.5% First Cumulative Preference Stock
(ii)  4.5% Second Cumulative Preference Stock
(iii) 5.5% Third Cumulative Preference Stock
(iv)  6% Third Cumulative Preference Stock
(v)   7% Third Cumulative Preference Stock

The reduction of capital has become effective following registration of the
Court Order by the Registrar of Companies.

The capital repayment and the accrued dividend amount, up to the date of
repayment on 28 July 1999, was posted yesterday to the Whitbread Stockholders
appearing on the register of members as at 21 July 1999.

The London Stock Exchange listing of all five classes of preference shares will
be cancelled with effect from close of business today and share certificates are
no longer valid.

For further information please contact:

Liz Thorpe 
Whitbread PLC
0171 615 1114