The Coliseum Group, owner and operator of The Sports Café chain, has announced increased turnover of 23 per cent for the six months to 30 June 2004.

The company benefited particularly from the Euro 2004 football tournament which not only boosted sales, but also brand awareness, as many tv stations and newspapers reported from Sports Café venues to capture spectator atmosphere.

Overall, sales for the period at the group’s four venues were up 12 per cent, boosting turnover to £4.8m from £3.9m in the same period in 2003.

Since the end of the period, the company has opened a fifth site, in Leeds, which is said to be trading in line with expectations. Three further venues are currently being developed – in Liverpool, Newcastle and Cardiff – and Coliseum said it is looking for additional locations through which to expand the brand.

Chair Ian Lenagan said the future remained bright for the group, saying he expects the screening of live football each weekend by BskyB and the increased coverage of European football to boost final quarter results.