The company behind the Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba bar chains has set a critical deadline for potential buyers, as it urgently seeks a sale to secure its future.
Bid Deadline Looming for Struggling Chain
The Revel Collective has instructed interested parties to submit formal offers by January 9, 2026. This follows the group's decision to put itself up for sale in October 2025, after revealing a sharp decline in revenues. Financial consultancy FTI Consulting is advising on the formal sale process.
The business, which was rebranded from Revolution Bars Group in 2024, operates 62 venues across the UK under the Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba, and Peach Pubs brands. Sky News has reported that Neos Hospitality has shown interest in acquiring some sites, though its participation in the bidding remains uncertain.
A History of Restructuring and Challenges
This is not the company's first attempt to find a buyer. A formal sales process launched in April 2024 was abandoned after the board rejected a proposed offer from rival operator Nightcap. The group has undergone significant restructuring, which included the closure of around 36 sites in 2024 under a High Court-approved plan.
However, management stated in an October 2025 update that persistent economic headwinds and specific government policy changes have thwarted recovery. The company cited the autumn budget's alterations to employer National Insurance thresholds, increases in the minimum wage, and duty on spirits as particularly damaging.
Financial Performance Under Pressure
The financial figures paint a stark picture of the challenges. For the three months to September 2025, revenues fell by 7.4% to £26.3 million. This was driven by a 10.5% like-for-like decline in its core bars business, which it attributes to cost-of-living pressures squeezing its younger customer base.
Concurrently, the company's debt burden has grown, rising to £25.3 million from £22.1 million at the end of June 2025. The business is now under the chairmanship of former Pizza Express boss Luke Johnson, who took the role in September 2025 following the retirement of Keith Edelman. Johnson has previously expressed an active interest in pursuing deals for businesses with distinguishing characteristics.
The Mirror has contacted The Revel Collective for comment on the latest developments in the sale process.
