End of an Era: Iconic ‘Vodka Revs’ Chain Enters Administration with 21 Closures
LONDON, 30 January 2026 – The Revel Collective, owner of the Revolution Bars group, has formally appointed administrators and closed 21 venues across the UK, resulting in the loss of 591 jobs. The collapse of the chain, popularly known as ‘Vodka Revs’ or ‘Vodka Revolution’, represents a significant blow to the British high street nightlife scene.
A Nationwide Closure
The group, which operated bars renowned for their extensive cocktail menus and flavoured vodka shots, fell into administration after filing a notice of intent. Administrators have since completed a sale of the group’s brands and remaining 20 sites to new owners, but the deal could not prevent the immediate shuttering of nearly two dozen locations. The closures span cities including Manchester, where one venue had undergone a £1.4m refurbishment in 2011, and have sparked widespread commentary on the state of the UK’s late-night economy.
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | The Revel Collective |
| Action Taken | Formally appointed administrators |
| Venues Closed | 21 sites nationwide |
| Jobs Lost | 591 |
| Brands & Remaining Sites | Sold to new owners (20 sites) |
| Commonly Known As | Revolution Bars, ‘Vodka Revs’, ‘Vodka Revolution’ |
Cultural Impact and Reaction
Described in tributes as “the last bastion of messy British nightlife,” the chain’s decline has been met with public mourning and concern for the future of city-centre socialising. Opinion pieces have highlighted the potential creation of a “big problem” for night-time economies in major cities, questioning where the traditional student and young professional crowd will now congregate. The closures follow a noted decline in pub drinking and reflect broader challenges within the hospitality sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has happened to Revolution Bars?
The parent company, The Revel Collective, has entered administration. This has led to the immediate and permanent closure of 21 Revolution Bars venues across the United Kingdom, with 591 employees made redundant.
Is the entire chain gone?
No. While 21 sites have closed, administrators have secured a sale of the Revolution brands and the remaining 20 operational sites to a new owner. The future of these remaining bars is now under new management.
Why is it called ‘Vodka Revs’?
The nickname ‘Vodka Revs’ or ‘Vodka Revolution’ stems from the chain’s signature focus on vodka-based drinks, particularly its wide array of flavoured vodka shots and vodka cocktails, which became a hallmark of its late-night party atmosphere.
What does this mean for the UK nightlife scene?
The closure of such a prominent, nationwide chain is seen by industry observers as a significant moment, highlighting the financial pressures on the hospitality sector and potentially leaving a void in the affordable, high-energy nightlife offering in many town and city centres.