In a significant blow to the hospitality sector, Revolution Bars Group has confirmed the imminent closure of 21 venues across the UK, putting 591 jobs at risk. This decision follows the appointment of FTI Consulting as administrators for the beleaguered chain. The move is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at salvaging the business, which has struggled with declining revenues and a challenging market environment.
Venue Closures and Job Losses
The closures, which take effect immediately, include 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba venues, and one Peach Pub. While this development is alarming for employees and patrons alike, FTI Consulting has announced that agreements have been reached to secure the future of 41 other sites, preserving 1,582 jobs. The assets of the Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands have been purchased by Neos Hospitality Group, a company known for running the Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues brands. Meanwhile, the remaining Peach Pubs business has been acquired by the newly established Coral Pub Company.
A History of Financial Struggles
Revolution Bars Group has faced ongoing financial difficulties, prompting a major restructuring initiative in 2024 that resulted in the closure of 15 unprofitable locations. Despite these efforts, the company’s financial health deteriorated further, leading to a strategic review last autumn focused on potential funding solutions and the sale of parts of the business. As of June 2024, the group operated around 62 venues and employed over 3,000 staff members.
In October 2025, the company announced it would seek buyers, driven by a worsening cash crisis and a notable downturn in sales. Executives attributed the slump to changing consumer behaviour, particularly among younger customers, as well as adverse weather conditions impacting summer trade. Two months later, management cautioned that shareholders would likely face substantial losses in any forthcoming deal.
The Future of the Brand
As Revolution Bars Group undergoes this tumultuous transition, the acquisition of its assets by Neos Hospitality Group and Coral Pub Company raises questions about the future direction of the brand. The new owners will need to navigate the current market challenges effectively to restore profitability and ensure job security for the remaining workforce.
Why it Matters
The closure of Revolution Bars Group’s venues underscores the fragility of the hospitality industry in the UK, exacerbated by shifting consumer habits and economic pressures. With hundreds of jobs at stake, this situation highlights the urgent need for strategic innovation and adaptability in a sector grappling with unprecedented challenges. The outcome of this restructuring will not only affect the employees and patrons of these venues but also serve as a bellwether for the resilience of the broader hospitality landscape amidst ongoing economic uncertainty.
