The UK hospitality sector faces a significant blow as a major bar chain operator enters administration, resulting in the immediate closure of 21 venues and placing approximately 2,200 jobs at risk across the country.
Administration Announcement and Immediate Impact
Revel Collective, the parent company operating 62 pubs and bars nationwide under the Revolution, Revolución de Cuba and Peach Pubs brands, filed for administration on Monday. This decisive action follows months of financial strain, with the company having initially put itself up for sale in October 2023 citing "a continued period of external challenges."
The administration process has triggered the immediate shutdown of 21 venues, resulting in 591 confirmed job losses. While discussions with a potential buyer are reportedly "well advanced," the company has been suspended from trading on London's AIM market, creating uncertainty for the remaining 41 venues and their employees.
Government Response and Industry Pressure
This collapse comes amid growing pressure on the hospitality sector, with Labour Treasury Minister Dan Tomlison announcing a support package specifically targeting pubs. The intervention follows intensifying backlash from industry leaders and MPs concerning impending tax increases that many warned would trigger widespread closures.
The Treasury's planned support, valued at approximately £100 million annually until 2029, includes additional financial assistance for pubs and proposed reforms to licensing rules. This forms part of a broader £4.3 billion package to support business rate payers announced by the government.
Industry Analysis and Operating Challenges
Karl Chessell, director of hospitality operators and food at market research firm NIQ, highlighted the severe impact of "relentless increases in operating costs" on the sector. These financial pressures have created particularly challenging conditions for mid-market hospitality operators like Revel Collective.
The company's diverse portfolio—spanning late-night Revolution bars, Cuban-themed Revolución de Cuba venues, and gastropub operator Peach Pubs—reflects the broad challenges facing different segments of the hospitality industry amid rising costs and changing consumer habits.
Complete List of Venue Closures
Revolution Bar Closures
- Manchester (Oxford Road)
- Huddersfield
- Leicester
- Glasgow (Renfield Street)
- Cardiff
- Nottingham
- Leeds
- Sheffield
- Ipswich
- Manchester (Parsonage Gardens)
- Plymouth
- Durham
- Exeter
- Preston
Revolución de Cuba Closures
- Cardiff
- Derby
- Liverpool
- Reading
- Harrogate
- Aberdeen
Peach Pubs Closure
- Kenilworth (The Almanack)
The geographic spread of closures—from Aberdeen in Scotland to Plymouth in southwest England—demonstrates the nationwide impact of this business collapse. While the remaining venues continue trading for now, their future remains uncertain as administrators seek a buyer for what remains of the business.
