The weekend is a time for relaxation, fun with loved ones, and perhaps a drink or a dance to unwind, safe in the knowledge that there’s no need for an early start the next day. However, one man’s recent night out has led him to declare that British nightlife has “well and truly lost it”.
Ross had been eagerly anticipating a night out with his mate in Reading last Friday (September 19), but was left stunned and disheartened by what he described as a scene “like a ghost town”. He declared that nightlife is “over”.
He posted a video on TikTok, capturing the eerily quiet Friday night scene. Ross reminisced: “Back when I was a teenager and we were 18, there would be queues… it’s Friday night in Reading… there would be queues down here. We used to queue up outside Revs all the way up to the end of the street.”
To his astonishment, Ross found not a single soul queuing to get into the venue. He also noted the absence of promoters who would usually be lining the streets “trying to convince you to go into a club or bar” – he didn’t spot a single one during his recent outing.
He likened the once vibrant town centre to “like a ghost town”.
He was left perplexed after finding a nightclub’s doors firmly shut. “It’s Friday night and it’s half 10… what!” he exclaimed. “Where is everyone?” he further queried.
‘There used to be queues outside of these places’
He noted that Walkabout has undergone significant changes. “The amount of times I’ve thrown up in this venue… now look at it… remnants of the past,” he lamented. The Reading-based Walkabout is set to permanently shut its doors from 1 October.
Ross also sorrowfully noted his old favourite, Bed Bar, has closed down. The Monks Retreat had a few patrons but looked vastly different than Ross remembered. “There used to be queues outside all of these places,” he said.
“Lola Lo’s is still here but it’s dead,” he remarked. He also visited Purple Turtle bar and was taken aback to find a seat readily available.
Ross added: “Back when we were growing up, you would not be able to get a table in Purple Turtle. This whole floor would have been completely rammed and now… how are they going to stay open?”
Regrettably, pressures following the pandemic, changing habits, and escalating costs have all contributed to the nightclub industry’s decline. Many of us are going out less as we can’t afford it – and many express sadness that younger generations cannot experience the ‘going out’ culture like their predecessors did.
Over the past five years, nearly 380 nightclubs have closed down permanently, with a third of these being among the nation’s most cherished venues. Some of the most recent casualties include MooMoo in Essex, which closed after seven years of operation, and Motion in Bristol, which was renowned for welcoming some of the globe’s leading DJs.
Additionally, Rekom UK, Britain’s largest nightclub operator behind the Atik and Pryzm chains, collapsed in February last year, shuttering an extensive list of their treasured venues.
‘A night out is a luxury now’
Responding to Ross’ video, one person remarked: “Nobody can afford £20 for 2 drinks.” “Used to be able to afford a whole night out for £20,” highlighted a second.
Another individual wrote: “I would bring out £30 with me. I would have enough for all my drinks, food at the chippy after and a cab home. Let that sink in. That was 15 years ago.”
A further person concurred that evenings out have become excessively costly, and commented: “A decent night out is at least £100, at the minimum. People simply can’t afford it. A night out is a luxury now.”
One more person revealed: “Feel for Gen Z. We were fortunate enough to go out with £20 and enjoy a night out. £3 night bus, free entry before 12 midnight and £2 vodka mixer. Students today don’t have the same disposable income as we did. Student loan if you’re lucky just covers rent now.”
Another Brit has witnessed similar scenes in Brighton. They remarked: “Just said this last night walking around Brighton! So glad I didn’t miss out of the best clubbing years! What do people do now?”
“Same problem in Brighton it’s done mate,” concurred another.
Youngsters ‘concerned about enjoying themselves’
One parent commented: “My 18-year-old son was in the gym at midnight. Kids are not interested, complete culture change.” Another observed: “There is no sense of fun anymore with the younger generation.”
Some think that mobile phones have also affected nightlife. One person stated: “I spoke to a 20-year-old. They don’t go out as they’re afraid of getting drunk and letting their hair down as phones are everywhere and you can’t have fun without it going on social media.”
Another agreed, adding: “Young kids these days just don’t know how to have fun anymore. Too worried about what social media tells them to think.”
