More losses as Hartford alters focus

Restaurant group Hartford, which owns the Pharmacy restaurant in London, has recorded further pre-tax losses as it continues to move its focus from restaurants to bars.

In the 12 months to 30 December 2001, the group recorded a pre-tax loss of £5.9m, compared with a loss of £3.3m a year earlier. Turnover fell by 15.3% to £6.2m, from £7.3m in 2000.

At the end of 2000, the group undertook a review which resulted in a decision to refocus its business away from fine-dining restaurants and to concentrate on bar-with-food operations.

In November 2001, Hartford opened the first of these operations, the Common Room, formerly the Utah restaurant, in Wimbledon, south London. Since opening, trading had been "extremely encouraging", said chairman Stephen Thomas.

Hartford now plans to open another Common Room and has instructed solicitors on a number of potential sites, said Thomas.

The group recorded mixed trading at its four restaurants, with sales dipping after 11 September.