Leisure group Saltire Taverns has announced plans to invest £60m in one UK-wide rollout of a new Le Monde hotel and bar concept.

The recently opened £12m, 18-room Le Monde boutique hotel, brasserie, bar and nightclub on George Street in Edinburgh features bedrooms and public areas individually designed around famous cities, such as Paris, Milan and New York.

The city-themed concept resulted in a £1.2m turnover based on food and beverage sales alone within the first eight weeks and earned Le Monde the 2006 Scottish Hotel and Design Award.

Managing director Tony McGrath now plans to replicate the success with a rollout of the Le Monde concept to Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and London.

The expansion will be funded by company founder Billy Lowe, Scottish & Newcastle and the Clydesdale Bank. Details: www.lemondehotel.co.uk or www.saltire-taverns.co.uk