Mon 8th Jan 2018 - Deltic Group reports December like-for-likes up 8.2%, further investment planned in estate Deltic Group reports December like-for-likes up 8.2%, further investment planned in estate: The Deltic Group, the UK’s largest operator of premium late-night bars and clubs with 57 venues, has reported like-for-like sales grew 8.2% in the four weeks to December 31 2017. The company saw pre-booked Christmas party bookings increase 20% while it had a record New Year’s Eve with 76,500 admissions and total sales of £2.4m, up 2.6% on last year. Chief executive Peter Marks told Propel: “Christmas fell well this year with the extra weekend beforehand and that certainly helped. The other thing is it’s a continuation of the momentum we have. From a standing start three or four years ago, online bookings have become a really important part of the business. Over the next few months it’s going to be more of the same. We will continue to invest in our estate and we expect the first full refurbishment programme will be completed over the coming financial year. Then we will look to start the cycle again with sites that haven’t had money spent on them in the past five or six years. Our refurbishment programme this year has probably delivered the best results we’ve had since we started. It would also be fantastic if we can add to the estate – we know what we want – but the most important thing is to have a fully invested estate.” The company invested £200,000 in headline DJs across 37 venues for New Year’s Eve while it sold 10,000 bottles of champagne and prosecco. Its social media campaign achieved a reach of more than six million and engagement with 2.2 million users. Marks said: “If people are going to spend £20 or £25 on a ticket, they want to feel they are getting extra than just on a normal Saturday night out. Our entertainment is what makes us stand out from the rest of the bars.” He added: “I believe that our recent performance reflects the group’s quality brands, well invested estate, industry leading central sales and social media campaigns and dedication to customer service, in tune with the appetite among consumers for great nights out, particularly on special occasions.”