_{It’s not exactly news that for most of us, nightclubs are no longer on the menu when it comes to planning a night out in 2024.}

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With nearly five nightclubs a week shutting its doors, extinction is not a distant threat but is set to be our reality by 2030, according to a recent report from the NTIA. But is the nightlife scene dead or is it just undergoing a makeover?

Mintel’s recent study found that nostalgia and emotional connection are core driving factors in getting millennials out after 6pm, whilst on TikTok, Gen Z lament the lack of house parties since the pre-lockdown era. Enter Stormzy’s House Party - the immersive nightclub experience designed over seven floors replicating the vibrant atmosphere of - you guessed it - a real house party. And the concept delivers on more than just premise, with a fully immersive experience that includes themed rooms including a kitchen, basement and bedrooms, enhanced by actors playing characters such as the nosy dad and an eccentric nana, adding to the authenticity of the party vibe. Guests are welcomed with red cups and can enjoy a range of activities like beer pong, karaoke, and even a chance to "pass the Aux" to play their own music - this is more layered than your typical nightclub experience, but it’s paying off with slots being snapped up quicker than you can shout “shut up”.

When it comes to our stalwart weekday evening destinations - i.e. pubs, there’s a demand for more premium experiences including craft beers, cocktails, and gourmet food options. Meanwhile, drinking spots have to stay on top of trends by adapting to the growing sober-curious and wellness movements, which are driving demand for non-alcoholic beverages and healthier menu options. Ambience also ranks highly in considering where to drink, with those that match the pub’s theme (rustic, gastro, sports etc) enhancing customer experience. And whilst the pub trade was understandably nervous about post-COVID recovery with 5% from 2022 to 2023, as of August 2024, the sector is expected to grow by 1.7% on last year with people expected to visit a pub at least once a month.

Meanwhile, coffee shops have become third spaces for more than just your hit of caffeine. Nothing speaks to this more than the advent of LA's AM.Radio, a monthly morning event that combines live DJ sets with the relaxed ambiance of local coffee shops that sees each set streamed on YouTube. Built as a response to the "decline of club culture", AM.Radio creates a refreshing experience for coffee-lovers to enjoy soothing house music alongside their morning matcha. Co-founder Steve Cardigan says of its advent, "I had the idea to host a monthly get together at a place that everybody loves: coffee shops. I've always been in love with coffee brands and small details of a cafe, so [I thought] how can I bring together coffee and music and a move to look forward to on the weekends? What I came up with is Am.Radio."

And finally, despite the data (and our social circles) portraying a collective desire to go on coffee dates, see our friends in the pub and fall into bed by 9pm, the team behind Printworks took the infamous Tottenham’s IKEA and opened up a quintessentially classic nightclub, Drumsheds. Its opening in 2023 saw 150,000 clubbers through its doors and continues its success despite initial teething problems on opening . Now Drumsheds takes prime position as London's premier nightclub for many, thanks to its eclectic mix of live acts and DJ sets and 680,000 square footage seamlessly integrating art, technology, and music - creating awe-inspiring, immersive experiences that transport you to another world, if only for the night.