Revolution Bars Group, a major bar chain, has announced the closure of eight of its venues across England. The closures come as the company grapples with the impact of the cost of living crisis and aims to redeploy the affected staff.
The closures include Revolution Bar sites in Derby, Reading, St Peters Liverpool, and Wilmslow, as well as two Revolucion de Cuba sites in Sheffield and Southampton. Additionally, the Playhouse in Newcastle-under-Lyme has also been shut down with immediate effect.
The decision to close these venues was driven by the company’s concern for the disproportionate strain its younger customers are facing due to rapid increases in the cost of living. Despite reporting its best Christmas trading period since 2019, Revolution Bars Group has made this difficult decision as it strives to navigate the ongoing challenges posed by the cost of living crisis.
Revolutions website states that the venue at St Peters Square is already closed, and the company has expressed its gratitude to patrons who have joined the Revolution party over the years. It has also assured the public of its commitment to redeploying the affected staff from the closed sites.
The closure of the Playhouse in Newcastle-under-Lyme comes just 14 months after its opening. This move follows the closure of Revolution on the same site in October 2022, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining profitable operations at the location. With the shut down of these venues, Revolution now operates 22 pubs and 58 bars across England. Additionally, Revolution’s Hanley branch, located on Trinity Street, has been closed for a number of years.
The closure of these venues is a significant development that reflects the challenging operating environment faced by the hospitality industry, particularly in the wake of the cost of living crisis. While Revolution Bars Group has emphasized its commitment to supporting the affected staff, the closures mark a difficult period for the company as it adjusts its operations amidst the ongoing economic pressures.
As Revolution Bars Group implements these closures, it aims to navigate the turbulent business landscape and focus on sustaining its remaining venues. With a shifting industry landscape and ongoing economic challenges, the company’s decision to close these eight sites demonstrates the complexities and pressures faced by businesses in the hospitality sector.
In light of the closure of the aforementioned venues, Revolution Bars Group continues to adapt its strategies and operations to address the evolving economic climate while working to maintain a strong presence in the hospitality industry.
The closures underscore the broader impact of the cost of living crisis on businesses and the challenges faced by the hospitality sector as it strives to navigate a complex and rapidly changing economic environment.
