REVOLUTION Bars has seen a surge in demand and says sales are set to beat bosses’ earlier expectations.

The company, which has 66 bars including one in Bournemouth’s Old Christchurch Road, can only seat 28 per cent of full capacity at its venues, but says sales are at 86 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Bars and pubs must only offer table service currently and customers cannot order drinks from the bar.

But there was a note of caution for the winter months as management said they remained aware that any uptick in cases could lead to new restrictions later in the year.

Revolution believes, based on customer reaction over the past six weeks, that significant further pent-up demand exists.

However, it remains cautious about the impact the Covid-19 pandemic may have and urged the government to ensure the complete ending of restrictions remains in place for later this month.

The increased confidence means the company believes underlying pre-tax losses for the year will be £12.5 million – less than first thought – with lower bank debts.

Chief executive Rob Pitcher said: “As predicted we have continued to see huge pent-up demand and a rapid recovery across the nation in our bars following indoors reopening.

“We were disappointed to see that the much anticipated ‘Freedom Day’ of June 21 was delayed but the new date of July 19, when our bars will be able to trade without restrictions, looks more certain than ever.

“Following 16 months of government-imposed restrictions on our business, our customers are very keen to take advantage of our full guest experience.

“Whilst we anticipate strong demand for our late night offering, we continue to be cautious about possible restrictions on our business during the winter period.”