AN ICONIC bar chain has shut a popular venue forever and fans are devastated – and there are more closures on the way.
Revolution owns 58 bars and 22 gastro pubs and also owns other chains such as Peach Pubs and Revolucion De Cuba.
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But punters will have one less bar to visit after the chain confirmed it has closed its site in Bournemouth.
In an emotional statement on social media, Revolution said: “We have loved shaking your cocktails and creating unmissable days and nights over the years, but as of today (April 30), we will sadly be closing our doors in Revolution Bournemouth.
“We wanted to extend an enormous thank you for joining the Revolution party over the years.”
Fans rushed to the comments to share their sadness over the decision to shut the site.
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One Facebook user said: “Another sad day for Bournemouth town.
“Nearly eight to 12 years of good memories and vibes.”
Another cried: “Sad to hear more and more businesses closing down .”
A third wrote: “Another one bites the dust..”
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And a fourth grumbled: “We had a fabulous time here in March for my daughters hen party.
“The staff were amazing – so sad for everyone.”
All the chains we’ve loved and lost in recent years
The Google reviews for the venue describe it as “fun” and ” a great day out”.
It comes after Revolution Bars announced plans for an overhaul which could see 12 of its bars shut down after already shutting six.
The chain recently revealed it has been dealing with cost of living pressures which were affecting its sales.
In a bid to save the business, it said it was planning to raise £12.5 million from investors to return to profit.
In an update today, Revolution revealed it had held an “exploratory meeting” with bar chain Nightcap.
It is said to have discussed a “range of possible transactions”, including a possible offer for the entire business.
But there is no certainty that any firm offer will be made or that any terms have been agreed.
Revolution Bars revealed in January it would have to close eight of its boozers, and blamed younger customers spending less than they used to.
Earlier this year, The Sun revealed that over 7,000 pubs are expected to go bust in the next year.
Rising costs and fewer punters through the door has meant that four out of five pubs have seen their profits take a nosedive.
What is happening to the hospitality industry?
Many Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Whitbread plans to close more than 200 locations across the UK in favour of building more hotel rooms.
The hotel and restaurant company has around 840 sites across the UK and owns brands including Premier Inn, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
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The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.
Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
