Be At One reports like-for-likes up 12.6% in December: Be At One, the specialist cocktail bar group backed by Piper Private Equity, has reported a record festive trading period with like-for-like sales up 12.6% during December and total sales breaking the £5m mark for the first time. During that period, the group sold 500,000 cocktails. The company, which operates 33 bars across the UK including 17 in London, continues to perform ahead of the market with like-for-like sales up 8.1% in the year to date. The company stated: “Sales peaked on Friday, 15 December, one of the ‘Mad Fridays’ during the month, with the group’s bars registering net sales of £391,000. Revenue per labour hour – how much revenue is taken by the company for every hour worked in-venue by a bartender – increased by 25% during the period. (There was) a healthy rise in group bookings – up 5.6% like-for-like versus 2016, with pre-booked revenue increasing by 36%. Be At One’s Birmingham bar was a stand-out performer, achieving like-for-like sales up 49% over the period.” Chief operating officer Andrew Stones said: “While December always tends to be a very strong trading period for Be At One as guests seek out a differentiated, high-quality experience to celebrate the festive season, these figures are particularly pleasing. We experienced great trading across all sites, both inside and outside London, clearly demonstrating the specialist cocktail bar market continues to grow and Be At One’s unique experience continues to lead the way. With our award-winning drinks and menu, coupled with our exceptional bar teams, we expect this sector to continue its upward trajectory in 2018, with Be At One front and centre.” The company is maintaining momentum into 2018 with the launch of its January campaign – Pump up Your Jan – featuring a series of exclusive serves and fitness activities. To accompany the campaign, Be At One has enhanced its drinks menu by listing Duchess, the UK’s first non-alcoholic gin and tonic, which is available across all its bars. Be At One was founded in 1998 by Steve Locke, Leigh Miller and Rhys Oldfield.