Revolution owner's losses widen as restructuring caused a 'distraction' to trade

Losses have deepened at the parent company of Revolution Bars due to a major restructuring programme that has caused a "distraction" to trade.

Shares in the Revel Collective, which recently rebranded from Revolution Bars Group, fell following an announcement of a decrease in sales. Despite this, the group emphasised its strong position for future growth after initiating a significant restructuring.

The Revel Collective currently operates 65 locations – 43 bars and 22 pubs – having closed 12 unprofitable bars, including 11 Revolution sites and its one Playhouse venue. It plans to close an additional three Revolution bars before completing its £12.5m restructuring next month.

Company leaders described recent trading as "challenging" due to delays in the restructuring plan and ongoing uncertainty for staff and customers. Luke Johnson, the former Pizza Express boss who took over as chairman last month, acknowledged that "there remains much work to be done".

He added: "I have invested £3m into the business and will take no salary; I will do my best to revive the group in a very tough market." This comes as the company reported a roughly 2% drop in total sales to £149.5m for the year ending in June, impacted by bar closures.

However, it noted that the closures were partially offset by the "strong performance" of the Peach Pubs business it acquired in 2022. The company also recorded a pre-tax loss of £36.7m for the year, a significant increase from £22.2 million the previous year.

Rob Pitcher, the chief executive of the group, proudly said: "Peach Pubs continues to trade very strongly post-acquisition and enjoyed its best ever festive trading this year. The pubs have seen a strong start to full-year 2025, and we see the pubs and Founders & Co as the key areas for future expansion in the group."

"I am confident with the distraction of the restructuring plan behind us, we will drive growth across all brands."