THE operator of a major Bournemouth nightclub saw business rise in the run-up to Christmas and New Year, outperforming the market.

The Deltic Group, which runs Cameo on Fir Vale Road, said like-for-like sales across its estate grew 8.2 per cent in the four weeks to December 31.

Deltic is the UK’s biggest operator of ‘premium’ late-night bars and clubs.

Its figures also showed pre-booked Christmas parties were up 20 per cent, while it had a record New Year’s Eve, with 76,500 admissions and total sales of £2.4million – up 2.6 per cent on last year.

It said it invested £200,000 in headline DJs across 37 venues for New Year’s Eve.

It sold 10,000 bottles of champagne and prosecco and raised £36,500 for its charity fund, the Echo Trust, in December.

Investment in social media reached more than six million people and achieved an engagement of 2.2m users.

Peter Marks, chief executive of the Deltic Group said: “We’ve seen a strong trading period in December, with total sales up 8.2 per cent on the previous year, and a record New Year’s Eve. This follows a fantastic student fresher’s season and Halloween.

“The strong performance was further aided by the refurbishment programme that continues to yield great results, and the focus on entertainment and premium service and products. It is anticipated that the first full refurbishment programme will be completed over the coming financial year.

“I believe that our recent performance reflects the group’s quality brands, well invested estate, industry leading central sales and social media campaigns and dedication to customer service, in tune with the appetite amongst consumers for great nights out, particularly on special occasions.”

Deltic’s other brands include Bar&Beyond, ATIK, PRYZM, Fiction, Kuda and Vinyl.

It runs 57 clubs and bars nationwide, employing 300 people.

At the start of this year, Deltic revealed it was eyeing acquisitions after a failed attempt to merge with Revolution Bars.

Mr Marks said the company wanted to snap up profitable businesses and had doubled the size of its property department to help spearhead growth. He said he would call on the support of shareholders or private equity firms if “something that looked a bit tasty” came into his sights.

Deltic had tabled a merger with Revolution Bars which would have seen Revolution own 65 per cent of a combined entity and Deltic 35 per cent. However, Revolution instead eyed a takeover from Slug & Lettuce owner Stonegate, which collapsed after Revolution investors rejected the buyout.

Since then, Deltic has snapped up 1.5m shares – a three per cent stake – in Revolution.