Four in 10 Brits mourn the loss of a ‘proper’ night out – with the 90s voted the best decade for an evening on the town.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 57 per cent believe nights out aren’t what they used to be, with the use of mobile phones (38 per cent) and increased costs (68 per cent) to blame.
Only 16 per cent of Gen Zs and 13 per cent of Millennials love clubbing nowadays, but 72 per cent would have ‘loved’ to have experienced a 90s night out.
This is down to what they consider to be better music (54 per cent), an improved atmosphere (56 per cent) and not having to break the bank for a couple of drinks (54 per cent).
While 73 per cent 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.”
The research also found 72 per cent of participants have not been to a nightclub in the past year.
Of those who clubbed in the 90s, the biggest difference between a night out now is how much cheaper it was (63 per cent), how it was more social (53 per cent) and how it’s less influenced by tech (44 per cent).
While 39 per cent actually feel bad for the younger generations who haven’t had the opportunity to experience a 1990s evening out.
But 61 per cent said the cost of a night on the town nowadays impacts how regularly they want to do them.
More than half (51 per cent) think drinks have become too expensive, 36 per cent think entry fees are too dear and 36 per cent believe transport costs too much.
Whereas 67 per cent 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 per cent), pop (34 per cent) and rock (24 per cent).
While 81 per cent 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."
