4 in 10 Brits say 90s nights out were better as rising costs kill nightlife magic

4 in 10 Brits say 90s nights out were better as rising costs kill nightlife magic A new poll of 2,000 adults has found the 90s were the best decade for a night out, with 68% of Brits blaming rising costs and mobile phones for the decline in the magic of evenings out on the town Four in 10 Brits are lamenting the demise of a 'proper' night out – with the 90s crowned the greatest decade for an evening on the town. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 57% believe nights out aren't what they once were, with mobile phone use (38%) and soaring costs (68%) held responsible. Just 16% of Gen Zs and 13% of Millennials are passionate about clubbing these days, yet 72% said they 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%). Meanwhile, 73% of those who hit the clubs in the 1990s said there was a distinct 'energy' that young people simply 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." Among those who clubbed in the 90s, the biggest distinctions compared to a night out today are how much cheaper it was (63%), how far more sociable it felt (53%) and how little it was shaped by social media (44%). Consequently, 39% genuinely feel sorry for younger generations who never got the chance to savour a 1990s night out. The study revealed that 72% of those surveyed had not set foot in a nightclub in the past year, with 61% citing the soaring cost of a night out as a key factor in how often they choose to go. More than half (51%) feel that drinks have become too pricey, 36% think entry fees are too steep, and 36% believe transport costs are simply too high. Meanwhile, 67% said that rising prices have stripped away the spontaneity of a night out, according to figures from OnePoll. com. When it comes to music, the most popular choices for a night out are throwback classics (41%), pop (34%) and rock (24%). And 81% say the quality of the DJ has a significant bearing on how much they enjoy their 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."