A recent report reveals London now has more 24-hour gyms than clubs, raising concerns about the city’s nightlife.
London: As we gear up for New Year’s Eve, finding a place to dance late into the night is getting trickier. You might have better luck grabbing a drink at a 24-hour gym instead.
According to a BBC London report, there are now around 300 gyms open all night, while only 58 pubs and clubs have 24-hour licenses. That’s a big drop in nightlife options.
In just a few years, the number of late-night venues has plummeted by over two-thirds. This has sparked worries about whether London can still call itself a 24-hour city.
Recent research shows that many Londoners are wrapping up their nights by midnight. A survey found that 55% of young adults aged 18-34 have struggled to keep the party going into the early hours.
People are saying they just don’t have anywhere to go after a certain time. Plus, there have been some serious incidents at clubs, like reported assaults and drug-related deaths, which haven’t helped the scene.
Michael Kill, from the Night Time Industries Association, points to the city’s transport issues. He says getting home after midnight is a real hassle, which makes people less likely to stay out late.
Interestingly, some gyms are trying to fill that nightlife gap. Places like Psycle and 1REBEL are turning workouts into party-like experiences with cool lights and great music.
At 1REBEL, they even have “Prosecco Friday,” where folks can sip drinks before heading out for the night. It’s like a pre-party on a bike!
This all comes after the recent resignation of the Night Czar, Amy Lamé, which adds to the concerns about the future of London’s nightlife.