Loch Fyne turns in record festive sales

Restaurant chain Loch Fyne recorded sales at an all-time high over Christmas and New Year, although it closed its branch in Stamford, Lincolnshire, at the end of December.

More than 30,000 bookings were made over the festive period, and half of the company's 20 restaurants broke their weekly sales records.

"In terms of performance, it was the biggest sales month we've had in the history of our company," said managing director Mark Derry.

Derry said the closure of the Stamford branch had followed "disappointing sales". Total annual sales for the 100-seat restaurant in 2002 stood at £430,000, significantly less than the figures achieved by comparable Loch Fyne restaurants.

He added: "It was a location-driven issue. The restaurant was in the wrong corner of the wrong town and we needed to make a decision. We decided our efforts were better placed concentrating on the others we have and those we will open this year."

Plans to open a further five restaurants by the end of the year are on track. Branches at Gunwharf Quay, Portsmouth, Chalk Farm in London and Harrogate, North Yorkshire, will open in March, June and July respectively. Two remaining sites are yet to be confirmed.

by Helen Adkins