More rooms at the inn

Accommodation and food are playing an increasingly prominent role in Eldridge Pope's 131 managed pubs, the company said today.

Bedroom income now accounts for 2.3% of managed pub sales and food for 23.9%. The figures are up on last year, when they amounted to 1.4% and 23.6% respectively.

In the year to 30 September, room revenues soared by 90% from just over £500,000 to just under £1m, and they are expected to grow by at least 50% in the current financial year.

Chief executive Peter Phillipson said: "We will continue to develop the range of accommodation we offer consumers."

Bedroom numbers rose from 122 to 220 in the current financial year, and 300 are expected to be in operation by September 2000.

Food sales in managed pubs grew by 15.8% to just over £10m.

The group, which also has 63 tenanted pubs, made pre-tax profits before exceptional items of £6.1m (1998: £5.6m) although turnover dropped from £66.7m to £64m.