Cocktail bar chain Revolution could use one of its most popular Manchester bars to trial reopening across the UK.

According to an email sent to staff seen by the M.E.N., Revolución de Cuba on Peter Street will be among the first to welcome customers back again after lockdown.

It's pencilled in for a July opening, and will help the group to test new procedures and policies put in place to operate safely in 'a Covid-19 world'.

The site has been chosen because of its seated capacity and its air flow, as well as its breakeven point - when revenues are equal to outgoings.

The Peter Street bar

Other bars expected to open in the same wave include Revolution bars in Liverpool, Bristol, Brighton, and Huddersfield, and another De Cuba site in Derby.

If the first sites operate successfully, the group will then look to reopen Revolution bars elsewhere in the UK.

The bar will be fitted with safety measures including till screens, PPE for staff, hand sanitising stations, introducing disposable menus and going cashless.

Staff may also be grouped into smaller 'families' to minimise contact.

Revolution has 74 bars across the UK, all of which remain closed.

The group has today launched a fundraiser to try and secure £15 million from shareholders so that it can emerge from lockdown in a 'position of strength'.

It has reported running costs of around £400,000 per week despite sites remaining closed.

Although the email to staff suggests a July reopening could be on the cards, Revolution has told its investors that its current “base scenario” is that to reopen in August.

Due to social distancing restrictions, its August sales are estimated to be about 55% of the same month in 2019.

The M.E.N. has approached Revolution for comment.