Ultimate Leisure will formally change its name to Premium Bars and Restaurants from 7 December after shareholders voted in favour of the switch at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting.

The change reflects 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.

By Chris Druce

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