Figures reflect expansion for Loch Fyne

New openings have boosted turnover and profits at seafood restaurant chain Loch Fyne.

During 2001, Loch Fyne saw turnover increase from £3.2m to £9.1m, after it opened 10 new restaurants, taking its total to 16.

Operating profit for the year was £1.2m, almost three times the group's projected figure. Like-for-like sales increased by 15%.

Loch Fyne plans to open six more restaurants this year, including one in London's Covent Garden.

Managing director Mark Derry said: "We continue to be cautiously optimistic. Sales per restaurant are an impressive £20,000 per week and this figure is being achieved very quickly in our new venues, which are generally contributing from month one."

He added that the group expected to serve more than a million customers this year.