London may be one of the nightlife capitals of the world, but that doesn’t mean that the locals are making the most of it. A range of studies over the past few years has shown that not only the amount we spend on evenings out is declining, but also the frequency with which we step out at after dark.
It seems that for the London crowd, staying in truly is the new going out. But why are we eschewing the city’s nightlife at such an unprecedented rate, in spite of the fact that we now have a 24-hour Tube at weekends? Here are some explanations for the current decline of nights out.
Expense
It would be pointless to complain about the cost of a pint here, as everyone reading this will already be sick to death of hearing about it. While the capital’s nightlife has never exactly been cheap, prices are rising faster than wages at a rate not seen since the 2008 crash. Partly due to inflation and partly due to rising alcohol and food taxes, recreation is simply eating up more of our pay packets than ever.
Fewer options
While there are still few places on Earth that can match the breadth and diversity of London’s nightlife, the reality is that our options are becoming more limited by the day. A record number of pubs and nightclubs closed last year, as part of a trend which looks set to continue in the year ahead. We all have a sob story about how our favourite local boozer closed down and was replaced with a Pret, so it’s not surprising that we’re less inclined to go out than before – it’s a vicious cycle.
Technology
One positive development and/or cause is that technology has allowed us to enjoy our favourite recreational activities without ever having to leave the house. This goes beyond simply being able to order a three-course meal from a restaurant on Deliveroo. Even a full night out somewhere like a casino can now be experienced from your living room, and for considerably less money. With the rise of internet gaming and the no deposit casino, Londoners can simply stay home and enjoy their favourite slot games without spending a single penny. But it’s not just slots – new technology brought us live casino, roulette, blackjack and more, meaning the full experience is now available from the comfort of our own homes.
Source: Pixabay
Working Habits
It has also been revealed that almost a third of Londoners now work evenings and through the night. It is not uncommon for people in certain industries to clock in 12-hour days at the office, while more and more people now work on a completely nocturnal schedule. As a result, there are now millions of people who simply don’t have free time in the evenings to enjoy themselves.
Cultural Shifts
Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. One major reason why nightlife is on the decline is that Londoners are undergoing a shift in social attitudes and are drinking a lot less than previously. We’re gravitating towards healthier lifestyle choices at an unprecedented rate, meaning that a night at the pub holds less appeal than ever before.
London’s nightlife may be one-of-a-kind, but these days it’s mostly tourists who are making the most of it. If you’re paying through the nose for your studio flat, you might as well spend as much time as possible in it.
Feature image source: Pixabay
