REVOLUTION EYES GROWTH

COCKTAIL bar business Revolution has had such a successful debut on the stock market that it is planning to open new bars across the country in time for the Christmas party season.

The company revealed that sales in the year to the end of June rose 2.9% to £111.8 million, with like-for-like sales up 3% across its 58 Revolution and Revolución de Cuba bars, which are trying to shed their student-led, vodkaswilling image and go more upmarket.

Chief executive Mark McQuater said: “Our trading performance has continued to be strong and in line with our expectations. Like-for-like sales remain positive ... across both brands.

“We look forward to some exciting new bar openings before Christmas, details of which we will confirm in September.”

Revolution joined the market in March after its previous owner, Alchemy Partners, raised £86 million by selling its 90% stake.