Pubs Forecast Busy Christmas Season

Bookings Increase as Customers Plan to Celebrate

LONDON, November 10, 2010 - The festive mood is already merry at The Orchid Group (
www.orchidgroup.co.uk) where Christmas bookings are 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 percent 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 comments: "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."

Whether it's turkey with all the trimmings or a Thai meal with the crowd
from work, Orchid's food development teams have created a range of offers to
suit every festive occasion and budget. The group's Carvery division has so
far seen a 20 percent increase in bookings, with a 12 percent uplift in the
Free House Dining division and a strong 21 per cent 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 GBP6,000 in deposits, the majority has come from established
pubs.

Dodd adds: "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.

For accompanying high-res images or further information please contact:
Katherine Sparkes or Phillip Maclean T: +44(0)117-973-90-19 - E:
pr@orchidgroup.co.uk

Follow Orchid on Twitter @orchid_group

For accompanying high-res images or further information please contact:
Katherine Sparkes or Phillip Maclean T: +44(0)117-973-90-19 - E:
pr at orchidgroup.co.uk