Britain's Night Economy Struck by Massive Closures

Britain’s Nightlife Gets a Second Chance

Last year, the late‑night scene looked a bit like a black‑out: hundreds of clubs, bars and gambling halls clanged shut. But a fresh wave of “experience‑first” venues is brightening the night‑time economy like a neon sign on a rainy London street.

Quick Snapshot from the Night Time Economy Market Monitor

Total night‑time venues (clubs, bars, casinos): 2,264 in December 2024 – down 2.8 % from 2023.
Less than a third of the pre‑COVID 2020 levels: 25.2 % lower.
Club numbers have taken the biggest hit – a staggering 33.2 % drop.
The wider evening economy is bouncing back – 16,004 venues in 2024, up 3.9 % (≈12 net new openings a week).

Why’s the “dark side” now light‑hearted?

It turns out that bars and “experiential” spots – the ones that let you mingle, sip bespoke cocktails, or even participate in a themed trivia night – are the biggest winners in the past year. The numbers back it up:

Bars: +5.4 % in just 12 months.
Themed bars: +24.4 % – because who doesn’t want to step into a “Viking Longship” or a “Space‑Diner”?
Cocktail bars: +17.4 % – mixologists are thriving!
Craft bars: +14.3 % – those cozy spots with local brews are pulling crowds in the same way a craft beer at a craft beer festival pulls us.

Where’s the buzz? Northern cities lead the charge.

Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh & Leeds jump‑started with >4 % growth in late‑night venues.
Independent venues still feel the sting of COVID and inflation – closing almost 4 per week since March 2020 – but managed groups are seeing 3.3 % growth.

Mixing Drinks & Data – Key Insights

Visitor Timing Matters: 70 % of NTIA members say revenue dips after 1 am, while 47 % see a drop from 6–8 pm.
Experience‑Driven Outings: 33 % of people heading out for “high‑tempo” events are hitting more experience venues; 19 % are stepping back.
Labour Costs & Outlook: Only 13 % feel upbeat about 2025, while 65 % are skeptical thanks to looming wage bills.

Key Voices

Reuben Pullan (CGA by NIQ) says:

“The pandemic and relentless costs slammed late‑night spots hard, but many other segments are holding steady. With government backing, night‑time businesses can not only keep opening bars but also boost Britain’s economy and jobs.”

Mike Kill (NTIA CEO) adds:

“Our new report shows the sector’s resilience and challenges. Spending reached £223.5 billion in 2024 and the cultural economy grew 3.2 %. Live music, clubs and cultural spaces are vital, but inflation and costs remain heavy. Targeted support is essential to keep this pillar alive.”