When the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic became obvious, one of the hardest hit areas was always going to be nightlife. With lockdown came a total shutdown for pubs, clubs and bars and, in one fell swoop, the night time economy in the UK simply vanished.
Thankfully, the good news is that this isn’t going to last forever and eventually the cities throughout the country that are famous for their after-dark appeal will once again be as busy, noisy and fun as they always have been.
Of course, it is likely that things will be a bit different as various social distancing measures will stay in place and face masks will most probably be permanent fixtures at entrances of many venues. Having your preferred sanitizer with you at all times will become second nature and, for many, the best natural hand sanitizer is one they can easily fit in their pocket or bag on a night out. Even so, a night out will certainly once again become a big part of so many lives once again, so if you’re planning a trip to the UK here are some of the top cities in the country that will be helping to bring back ‘life’ to the night!
Manchester
As if being home to two world class soccer teams isn’t enough, when it comes to music, clubbing and cocktails, this northern powerhouse has it all. Famous for being the birthplace of an impressive array of different musical styles, a night out in this vibrant city starts early and finishes late.
Start your night out in one of the city’s characterful and authentic pubs such as the Peveril of the Peak or sample a cocktail or two in Spinningfields before you line your stomachs in one of the on-trend restaurants. The Northern Quarter is the place to head if you fancy sampling the eclectic range of headline DJs at huge events such as the Warehouse Project or regular nights at clubs such as Gorilla. However, if you want to live like a local venture a little further into Didsbury or Chorlton where there are even more nocturnal adventures to choose from.
London
From the quirky markets and parties of Camden Town to the sophisticated cocktail bars and select private members clubs of Soho, no feature on the UK’s nightlife is complete without mentioning London.
This truly is a city that never sleeps and whether you prefer to be entertained by an award winning production at a West End theatre, stumbling upon underground club nights or sampling the real ales of historic inns and taverns, the diverse and multicultural make-up of the capital offers something truly unique. Step away from the well-trodden tourist hotspots and experience a night you’ll probably never forget!
Brighton and Hove
Thought by many to be the gay capital of the UK, with a prominent arts scene, plethora of independent restaurants and a thriving music scene it’s not hard to understand why students of the this city’s university and art college choose to make Brighton and Hove their permanent home after they finish their studies.
Known as ‘London-by-the-sea’, whether it’s spring, summer, winter or fall there’s always something going on in this hip seaside city. Having undergone a huge amount of regeneration, the seafront and promenade is home to vibrant bars, restaurants and clubs catering for all tastes and age ranges. The added bonus is that they’re all only moments from the beach and surrounded by a mixture of beautiful Regency architecture and original Banksy works of art. Kemp Town has a fantastic LGBT scene where everyone is welcome, and when the bustling independent stores of The Lanes close for the day the hubbub of its bars and clubs takes over.
Cardiff
If your idea of a perfect night out doesn’t involve having to hail a cab, then Cardiff is the place for you. Picturesque, the Welsh capital is pretty compact by comparison to other cities; however that’s great news for anyone who likes to have everything within a comfortable walking distance. Friendly and welcoming, with a wealth of culture and heritage, if you’re a student that likes to party hard then head to the Cathays district during term time, but if you prefer a more casual air then the theatres, restaurants and bars around the castle, at Mermaid Quay or the Friary should all be on your list.
