The John Lewis department store chain reported sales up 7.6% in the week to April 23 and sister grocer Waitrose reported a bumper uplift of 24.4% as the UK baked in the Easter sunshine.

16 of the John Lewis department stores reported positive growth, while 13 reported negative sales.

Cambridge took the top spot, reporting sales up 18%, but Brent Cross suffered a fall of 4.3% as footfall was affected by the closure of the M1 at the start of the week.

Sunglasses sales were up 47%, while home reported sales up 14%.

Johnlewis.com reported sales up 33%.

Waitrose reported its biggest ever Easter Saturday, up by 15% on the previous year.

The hot weather saw strong sales of barbecue fare, with meats up 412% on the previous year. Beef burgers were up 454% on the same week in 2010.

Salads were also popular, along with tableware for outside dining. Plastic champagne flutes were up 150%, while napkins were up 100%. It said bunting and union jack serviettes have been “flying off the shelves” for Friday’s Royal Wedding.

Ice cream was up 115%, and strawberries up 70%.

Overall the John Lewis Partnership reported sales up 18.7%.

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