Po Na Na joins the Christmas party

Po Na Na provided further evidence that revellers were out in force during the festive period last week when it reported a 3.1 per cent rise in like-for-like sales over Christmas and New Year.

The group, which operates the Po Na Na and Fez Club brands, experienced particularly strong trading at its flagship club in Hammersmith Palais where it hosts the popular "School Disco" nights.

All sites trading in both periods (this year and last)- 51 outlets from an estate of 60 - were included in the comparisons. A spokesman for the company said: "What was really pleasing was the fact that we had a brilliant Christmas last year - it was fantastic to see sales rise again."

Christian Arden, chief executive, said all the management had been motivated by good promotions and good ideas. "It wasn't the depressing time that people had expected," he said.

He plans to open four more Po Na Na outlets before the financial year end in March. It will open 10 next year including a 1,500-capacity "super club" on Brighton seafront.

The company will bring out a double CD next month, featuring the house music typically played at a Po Na Na venue. A branded alcoholic or energy drink is expected to follow soon after, said Mr Arden.

The group is expected to report a 58 per cent leap in pre-tax profits to £4m. Underlying profits came in at £1.4m in the half-year to September, against £1.1m a year earlier, on sales up from £13.2m to £17.2m.