Operating losses were £11.5m, which the business said reflected higher distribution and administrative costs alongside increased interest charges on intercompany funding. Gross profit as a percentage of sales improved to 59.5% from 48.7%, supported by efficiencies at its London production unit. The fresh pasta specialist has continued to expand and last year opened sites in Chiswick, Greenwich, Richmond and Manchester Airport. It now operates more than 50 restaurants and food delivery kitchens. At the start of this month it announced the opening of three more London restaurants, the first of which opened on Oxford Street (pictured) yesterday (1 October).