Expansion plans put on hold

Jongleurs is to put its expansion plans on hold for the next six months.

Owners Regent Inns have reigned back their ambitions to open more venues in the light of tougher than expected trading conditions.

In a statement ahead of its six-month interim results, the company announced that sales were down 3.2 per cent over the same period last year.

The results would have been bleakerÊhad it not been for the company's Australian themed Walkabout pubs, which saw a 13.5 per cent growth.

The statement said: ÒIn light of the uncertain economic outlook, the board has decided to take a more measured approach to openings for the remainder of the year.

:Accordingly, only three further Walkabouts will be opened in the second half and no further Bar Risa/Jongleurs."

The news does not affect the opening of the Leeds and Reading venues this weekend, but could delay its next planned opening, in Bristol.

Published: 12 Dec 2002