Pub group SFI said sales in the three weeks to New Year's eve were almost one third higher than at the same period a year before.

SFI, whose branded bars include the Slug and Lettuce, Bar Med and Litten Tree chains, said it has made a strong start to the second half of its financial year.

"Both Christmas and New Year's eve trading were stronger across the country than in previous years," the firm said.

"Sales on New Year's eve alone exceeded �1.1m", 30% higher than a year before.

SFI plans to double the size of its Slug and Lettuce chain to 60 pubs by May and is about to begin converting 28 Parisa Cafe Bars bought for the purpose.

In general, it said, the Parisa sites have performed well and confirmed their potential to add the scale necessary to make Slug and Lettuce into a leading national brand.

The firm's clutch of Latin-styled outlets - such as Salsa! and Break for the Border - have been struggling, but "made a solid recovery" over the Christmas period.

SFI shares closed 17.5p higher at 236.5p in London on Thursday.