Bookings increase at Orchid pubs as customers plan to celebrate

10th November 2010, 10:18am

National pub company, The Orchid Group, is looking forward to a booming Christmas period, with bookings said to be “well ahead of 2009”.

With less than seven weeks to go until Christmas Day, the managed pub and restaurant group believes that consumers are planning to put concerns about the economy to one side in order to celebrate Christmas 2010 in style.

Advance bookings across Orchid's estate are already over 10% ahead of last year. As well as seeing an uplift in bookings for the period running up to Christmas and through to New Year, Orchid is forecasting that more customers than ever will be enjoying their Christmas dinner at the pub on December 25th itself.

Orchid's commercial director Simon Dodd, said: "We believe consumers will be putting aside some money in order to let their hair down over the Christmas period. We launched our offers at the start of August and are now really seeing some great performances across all our divisions."

The group's Carvery division has so far seen a 20% increase in bookings, with a 12% uplift in the Free House Dining division and a strong 21% increase in Orchid's Dragon pubs, which offer an authentic Thai menu.

Compared to the same period last year, Orchid is already more than 4,500 covers ahead in terms of firm bookings for festive meals. While newly acquired pubs have played their part, contributing over 1000 additional covers and over £6,000 in deposits, the majority has come from established pubs.

Dodd added: "We know that times are challenging for many people, so we don't take it for granted that they will chose us for their seasonal celebration. Whether it's a meal with colleagues, a get-together with friends or their family meal on Christmas Day, our people will be going all-out to ensure that customers have a great time."

The Orchid Group owns a collection of individual bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs across the UK as well as The Living Room, Prohibition and Ultimate Leisure brands.

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• 19 Oct 2010 - Orchid wins National Training Award
• 29 Sep 2010 - Pub company The Orchid Group invests in internal communications programme
• 07 Sep 2010 - Ale Aid campaign raises cash for charity – while giving local brewers a boost
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• 08 Jun 2010 - Orchid announces expansion drive after pubs see strong sales growth

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