James' Places announces strong December trading

Lancashire-based hospitality group James' Places has announced a bumper Christmas, with trade at its Holmes Mill venue exceeding all predictions.

"Performance at the Beer Hall, part of Holmes Mill in Clitheroe and new for 2016, was outstanding and outstripped all expectations. Already trading strongly up to December we saw a 40 per cent increase in revenue over the Christmas period. This is justification that the people who influenced the planning outcomes for the redevelopment of Holmes Mill are still supporting us."

Carol said: "In December cask sales were up 173 per cent by volume like-for-like and bottle sales up by 168% by volume. This closes an exceptional year which sees net sales up 151 per cent year on year. The brewery's investment in new kit, which saw brewing capacity grow four-fold, was implemented in August 2016 and puts the business in a strong position to start 2017."

The continued development of Holmes Mill into 2017 will see the opening of a hotel, bar and grill plus a food hall.