Trading Update

RNS Number:1414K
Hartford Group PLC
17 April 2003


                              HARTFORD GROUP PLC

                          ("Hartford" or "the Group")



               Trading Update for 28 weeks ending 12 April 2003



Hartford Group has continued to make progress in 2003 with the operational
integration of Jamies Bars substantively complete and the focus now changing to
the refurbishment and re-positioning of sites.  The first of these, Jamies
Charlotte Street, reopened at the end of February 2003.  Initial trading has
been strong at this location and well ahead of the criteria set prior to
committing to the refurbishment.



For both the Bars and City Bars, gross margin on food and drink has improved
from the prior year, with wages and variable costs both reduced.  In addition,
central costs have been reduced across the Group in line with expectations.
However, this progress has been offset by increasingly difficult market
conditions since the start of 2003.  Hartford is almost exclusively focused on
central London and the City, and the impact on sales of the continued economic
uncertainty in these areas means that the results for the year to September 2003
will fall short of current estimates.  However, assuming no further
deterioration in market trading conditions, Hartford is still expecting to
deliver its first profit from continuing operations in the year to September
2003 and the Board remains confident of the medium term prospects for the Group.




                                                                   17 April 2003







ENQUIRIES:
Hartford Group PLC                                    Tel:     [phone]
Stephen Thomas, Chairman
James Kowszun, Chief Executive

College Hill
Justine Warren                                        Tel:     [phone]








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