The UK's nightlife has lost its mojo—can it be saved?

National Geographic

25-07-2025

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Nights out have been a staple of British life since the early 20th century, when the country's first nightclubs opened. But in recent years, the country has seen a surge in venue closures, with a study by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) suggesting that there could be no nightclubs by 2030. With a clutch of big openings and a new government taskforce, there are reasons to remain hopeful — but are we witnessing the end of nightlife as we know it? What's the latest?
One nightclub is closing around every two days in Britain, according to NTIA data. Since 2020, more than a third of UK nightclubs have shut, totalling around 400 losses. In London, there are now more 24-hour gyms than nightclubs with late-night licences.
The main reason is unsurprising: in the current economy, many nightlife venues simply can't afford to keep their doors open. Superclubs, like north London's 15,000-capacity Drumsheds, have been able to survive, partly thanks to being owned and funded by large corporations. But smaller venues are struggling — and this could spell disaster for up-and-coming DJs and bands, left without spaces to hone their craft.
Meanwhile, strict licensing laws, which might force venues to close outdoor areas or have reduced hours, are making it increasingly hard for them to operate in a profitable way. Surges in new housing developments near nightlife spaces have only added to this, resulting in rising noise complaints. And on top of all that, attitudes are shifting away from going out, catalysed by the pandemic and rising cost of living. Why are people going out less?
With tickets to club nights costing up to £50 and pints averaging over £5, many can't afford to go out any more. On top of this, Gen Z is less interested in enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle. According to 2021 NHS statistics, 38% of 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK don't drink alcohol. Is anything bucking the trend?
There may be fewer clubs, but bars are doing well, growing by 5.4% over the past 12 months in Britain, according to NTIA figures. There's also evidence that young people are saving their money for a few nights a year, getting more bang for their buck — whether that's at a day festival, stadium concert or superclub where they can see multiple headliners in one go. From May to September, the UK capital will host at least 35 day festivals, with events like Lido, Polygon Live and SXSW London all new for 2025.
'Day festivals and multipurpose venues are thriving as they tap into that demand for something different — something more social, cultural and immersive,' says Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA. Venues are also innovating, bringing clubbing to a new wave of people, with the likes of DJ Annie Mac's Before Midnight events and sober and wellness-focused nights such as south London's Sauna Social Club, which combines saunas with electronic music. Can UK nightlife bounce back?
Like Berlin's Berghain club, which was granted the same lower tax status as the city's concert venues in 2016, nightlife could be granted special protections. Local authorities in Britain are certainly taking note — Greater Manchester, London and Bristol have all appointed Night Time Economy Advisors, allowing nightlife professionals to collaborate with councils. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also just been granted game-changing new powers to overturn licensing decisions, such as early closing hours or restricted outdoor spaces, while a new London Nightlife Taskforce will bring directors of clubs like Fabric together to tackle the issues.
In 2025, the capital has seen new arrivals despite recent trends, including Gallery, a 400-capacity venue in Kensington. 'It's sink or swim,' says DJ and promoter Jon Nelmes, who runs Manchester club night Sassafrass. He adds that his local scene is still thriving, partly thanks to new spaces that offer something unique, and points to newcomers like Amber's, which sells £5 tickets and has a no-phones rule.
'Clubbing isn't becoming obsolete — it's evolving,' says Kill. 'UK club culture has always been dynamic. It's survived legal crackdowns, economic downturns and shifting musical landscapes. What we're seeing now is more about transformation than decline.' Despite all the obstacles, it seems that British nightlife isn't going anywhere just yet. Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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