TOPPING STUFF AT PIZZERIA

The owner of pizzeria Franco Manca has reported rising first-half sales.

Fulham Shore – which also owns The Real Greek chain – was forced to issue a profit warning in September after it was hit by a slowdown in trade in July and August, particularly at its London outlets. It suffered Brexit woes which led to fewer people choosing to dine out.

In the six months to September 24, sales climbed from £19.5million to £27.5million, but the future doesn’t yet look too bright, warned chairman David Page. “We will respond to the economic climate in the next 24 months as we find it, as we believe these factors will continue to affect the restaurant sector in the coming years,” he said.