Revolution Bars still attract drinkers despite terror attack shadow

Revolution Bars on Tuesday showed it has managed to grow sales despite customers shunning its watering holes in the aftermath of terror attacks in London and Manchester.

The cocktails specialist which has 68 branches — including bustling bars in the City — said business was hit during the days that followed the June 3 London Bridge atrocity, where three terrorists carried out a van and knife attack which killed eight people.

Trading was also “particularly [impacted] in the North-West where the group has a significant number of venues”, after the Manchester Arena bombing in May.

Total sales increased by 9.2% to £130.4 million in the year to July 1.

Sales at venues open for more than a year were ahead by 1.5% against the 1.7% reported after 44 weeks.

But the bars operator, at present offering the Original Gangsta — a cocktail of gin and elderflower liqueur — said it had stepped up sales growth in recent weeks, and plans to open six more sites.

The shares rose 4.35p to 119.65p.

Meanwhile pubs giant Fuller’s said Britain’s recent heatwave helped sales at sites which have been open for more than a year jump 6.6% in the 16 weeks to July 22.