Pub and restaurant operator, Hartford Group has moved into profitability after a period of restructuring and repositioning.

The group’s operations are now focused around London and on drinks-led retailing.

Announcing half-year results for the 28 weeks to 10 April 2004, the company said that while turnover from continuing business was level with the previous year at £6.1m, profit before tax was £148,000 up from a 2003 loss of £282,000.

Chair, Stephen Thomas, said: “These results represent a credible performance for the management, staff and shareholders of the Hartford Group and I am pleased that the group has moved into pre-tax profit.

“The management team has built a solid, financially robust foundation and we can now look forward to the future with excitement and optimism.”

Thomas added that the second half of the financial year has begun well, with sales to date 4.1 per cent ahead of last year.

The company has also acquired three new City sites with completion due this month.