A Latin-American themed bar known for its cocktails, authentic menu and dance classes has closed in Reading after nearly a decade.
Revolucion de Cuba on Friar Street first opened in November 2016 but has been closed with immediate effect today, Tuesday 27 January, after The Revel Collective — which manages Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba bars and Peach Pubs — went into administration.
The Reading site is one of 21 venues shut by administrators, a move that has put 591 jobs at risk. Information from the Press Association says the closures include 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba sites and a Peach Pub.
The 21 venues were not included in a separate sale of the group’s brands and assets, which secured the future of 41 sites and 1,582 jobs.
The news follows the January 2024 closure of the Revolution bar in Station Road, which had received a £250,000-plus investment in November 2022. Revolucion de Cuba in Friar Street had been granted permission to open until 2am from Thursday to Sunday after a licensing application to Reading Borough Council in October 2023.
Days for the Friar Street venue were already limited after Reading Borough Council’s planning applications committee approved an application by building owner Thackeray Estates in December 2022 to demolish the site and make way for a 163-bed hotel.
Key facts:
- Revolucion de Cuba Reading opened November 2016 and closed 27 January.
- Revel Collective administration led to 21 venue closures and 591 job losses.
- Press Association: 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba sites and one Peach Pub closed.
- Sale protected 41 sites and 1,582 jobs; the 21 closed venues were not included.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
