London wine bar operator The Food & Drink Group saw a continued strong performance at its Jamies and Henry J Beans bars in December.

In a trading update, the group said like-for-like sales for the first 15 weeks of the 2007 financial year were 7% ahead of last year.

The growth was put down to an increase in revenue from function bookings coupled with strong underlying trading, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.

The group has 27 bars in London, as well as an international franchising business.

A full contribution from Henry J Beans and bar group Brodies sent group sales soaring in the full year to 23 September 2006, up 53% to £20.3m. Pre-tax profit, which stripped out reorganisation costs of £150,000 and disposals, jumped 204% to £1.3m.

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By Emily Manson

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