A new survey has revealed that many Brits believe nights out are not as good as they once were, with the 1990s being voted the best decade for an evening out on the town. Four in 10 adults mourn the loss of a 'proper' night out, according to the study of 2,000 people.
Key Findings
The survey found that 57% of respondents feel nights out are no longer what they used to be. The main culprits identified are the use of mobile phones (38%) and rising costs (68%). Only 16% of Gen Zs and 13% of Millennials say they enjoy clubbing nowadays, yet 72% wish they could have experienced a 90s night out.
Why the 90s Were Better
Those who long for the 90s cite better music (54%), a livelier atmosphere (56%), and not having to spend a fortune on drinks (54%). Among those who actually clubbed in the 1990s, 73% said there was a distinct 'energy' that today's younger generation wouldn't understand.
A spokesperson for Crumpton Oaks, which commissioned the research, said: "There's a clear sense that the classic night out has changed, with many people feeling it is missing something that existed in the 1990s. For those who remember earlier decades, there's a strong attachment to how simple and social those nights felt. Whether it's technology or cost, modern nights can feel more curated and controlled."
Comparing Then and Now
Of those who clubbed in the 90s, the biggest differences noted are how much cheaper it was (63%), how it was more social (53%), and how it's less influenced by social media (44%). Consequently, 39% feel sympathy for younger generations who never got to experience a 90s night out.
The study also revealed that 72% of respondents had not visited a nightclub in the past year, with 61% citing rising costs as a factor. More than half (51%) believe drinks are too expensive, while 36% find entry fees too steep and another 36% consider transport costs excessive. As a result, 67% said soaring prices have removed the spontaneity of a night out.
A spokesperson added: "Rising costs are clearly having a knock-on effect, with fewer people going out regularly and spontaneity becoming harder to justify. At the same time, many still compare today's nights out to the 90s, where they felt more affordable, more social and less shaped by technology. While music and DJs remain central to a good night, the overall experience is changing - and that's something people are increasingly aware of."
