Bar operator Inventive Leisure has issued a positive trading statement for the eight-week Christmas and New Year period.

Overall sales for the period were up by 7.1 per cent, due to a combination of improved like for like sales and contributions from two new bars that weren’t open in time for the Christmas period last year.

Food sales at sites continued to be driven by Inventive’s Vodka Kitchen brand. In the five weeks to 1 January 2005, food sales were up by 35.3 per cent and accounted for 5.3 per cent of overall sales.

Inventive has confirmed it is continuing to actively seek six new sites in the UK, which are likely to be existing licensed premises capable of taking over £25,000 in gross revenue per week.

Chief executive Roy Ellis said: “Sales over the period were in line with our budgetary expectations. The company has now sustained positive like for like trading since July 2004 and we reiterate our belief that the time is now right to resume our expansion programme.”

Inventive’s next trading update will be given on 22 March alongside the group’s half-year results.