Ultimate Leisure is set to formally change its name today to Premium Bars and Restaurants at today’s Annual General Meeting of shareholders.

The change will reflect the acquisition spree the operator has embarked on over the year as it moves away from its core nightclub business into premium casual dining and gastro-pub offerings.

This year Ultimate has acquired Bel and The Dragon from Gourmet Holdings and The Living Room chain for £8.75m and £28m respectively.

As a result, over the past 21 weeks total group sales were 93% higher than a year ago, chairman Mark Jones said.

2008 will see the operator expand its Living Room estate with one site signed and two others with agreed heads of terms.

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By Christopher Walton

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