Four in 10 Brits say they miss the 'proper' night out of the 1990s, as a new poll shows rising UK nightlife costs and mobile phones are blamed for killing the classic evening out.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 57% believe nights out aren’t what they used to be, with the use of mobile phones (38%) and increased costs (68%) to blame.
Only 16% of Gen Zs and 13% of Millennials love clubbing nowadays, but 72% would have ‘loved’ to have experienced a 90s night out. This is down to what they consider to be better music (54%), an improved atmosphere (56%) and not having to break the bank for a couple of drinks (54%).
While 73% of people who clubbed in the 1990s said there was a different 'energy' which young people wouldn't understand today.
A spokesperson for cider company, 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."
Of those who clubbed in the 90s, the biggest difference between a night out now is how much cheaper it was (63%), how it was more social (53%) and how it’s less influenced by social media (44%).
As such, 39% actually feel bad for the younger generations who didn’t have the opportunity to experience a 1990s evening out.
The research found 72% of participants have not been to a nightclub in the past year with 61% suggesting the cost of a night on the town nowadays impacts how regularly they want to do them.
More than half (51%) think drinks have become too expensive, 36% think entry fees are too dear and 36% believe transport costs too much.
Whereas 67% said the increase in prices means there is less spontaneity for a night out, according to figures from OnePoll.com.
The favourite music people like to listen to while out are throwback classics (41%), pop (34%) and rock (24%).
While 81% claim the quality of the DJ makes an impact on the enjoyment of the evening.
A spokesperson for Crumpton Oaks, which has brought back its nostalgic Happy Applecore campaign for the summer, 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."
