Are sport clubs replacing nightclubs for socialising?

Members of a running club have been sharing why they prefer the activity to drinking in pubs and clubs

As more than a third of nightclubs have closed across Britain in the last five years, people attending a running club have spoken about why they prefer spending their nights socialising while exercising rather than drinking alcohol.

For members of Cheltenham's Bath Road Beers Run Club, they say they save money, avoid day-long hangovers and feel better after attending the group rather than an evening drinking in pubs or clubs.

According to a survey by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) of 18 to 30-year-olds, 61% of people reported going out less in the past year.

But Cheltenham nightclub partner Philip Jordan said that while the town's drinking culture has declined, there is still plenty of trade - as long as venues adapt, with alcohol free beer now attracting significant custom.

In the last five years, about 400 clubs have closed in Britain – more than a third of the total number.

This includes Gloucester's biggest nightclub Trilogy, which closed down earlier this year.

Members of Bath Road Beers Run Club, which hosts weekly meet ups where people can go for a group run and have a beer or alcohol-free alternative afterwards, say they are part of the trend of people turning away from nightclubs.

Ethan Lee, who attends the group, said it is has "the best vibe and alcohol as a concept, is not essential for socialising any more".

"I think sport is the new social drink," he added.

Safi Hicks Beach said she goes to the club partly to run, but mostly to meet people.

"It's all about community," she added.

Thomas Hunt said he prefers socialising with people through exercise rather than going out drinking.

"I don't like missing days and I don't want to be hungover at all, but this just feels a lot healthier, I want to live that kind of wholesome, active life," he said.

Meanwhile, George Staff said attending the club offers people a cheaper way to socialise that spending money on alcohol.

"Doing something like a run club, is a cheap option that's sociable, but [it's] also going to have a positive impact on you.

"I think it's quite an attractive thing for a lot of people now," he added.

Ethan Lee said alcohol is "not essential for socialising any more"

Michael Kill, NTIA's chief executive, said clubs and bars are having to rethink how they attract customers.

"Daytime parties are becoming very successful... no and low alcohol is becoming quite prevalent within the market.

"People still have a desire to go out. But I think the key thing is, it's not always about alcohol," he said.

Mr Jordan, whose a partner at Cheltenham's nightclub Under The Prom, said adapting to new trends is key.

His venue hosts more day parties and has health-conscious drinks on the menu.

Under The Prom now host lots of day events and sell healthy cocktails

Mr Jordan said nightlife has evolved and we have moved away from a prevalent alcohol-consuming culture.

He described the increase in people drinking zero or low alcohol drinks as "crazy".

"We were given some [zero] alcohol beer in 2018, we shifted one or two bottles a month, now we're talking five to six cases a week.

"We still see as many people going out but they just go out differently, it's not all doom and gloom, but you're having to work much harder," Mr Jordan said.