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.

Said operations director Carol Sleet: “James' Places is delighted with a strong December performance. Like-for-like, we've seen 10% year-on-year growth across the existing estate.

“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% 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.”

Holmes Mill is also home to Bowland Brewery, which is celebrating a successful Christmas.

Carol said: “In December cask sales were up 173% by volume like-for-like and bottle sales up by 168% by volume. This closes an exceptional year which sees net sales up 151% 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.”

Bowland Brewery is not only brewing more beer, it is brewing great beer, with Buster and Bowland Gold picking up awards in 2016. The brewery itself was a winner of the prestigious Visit Lancashire Producers and Makers award.

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

Carol added: “2017 is set to be an incredibly exciting year for the business.”

As well as Holmes Mill, James’ Places has The Emporium in Clitheroe, and other Ribble Valley venues Waddington Arms, Waddington, Mitton Hall, Mitton, Shireburn Arms, Hurst Green and Eaves Hall, West Bradford. It also counts Falcon Manor at Settle, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and The Royal Hotel at Kirkby Lonsdale in the group.