Drinkers in one major UK city have fumed that closing times are putting a dampener on their nights out.
Some pubs in central London ringing last orders at what’s considered by many a “sad” time. Now, people in the Big Smoke are taking to social media to complain. Those keen for a late-night drink in the nation’s capital are finding it increasingly challenging as public houses shut down earlier than expected.
Fed-up patrons questioned the reasoning behind such early closures when other parts of the city offer much later drinking options. One furious individual tweeted: “Central London. Last orders at 9.20. Pub shut at 10. Literally why?”
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Others in London echoed this confusion and pointed out that the premature last call spoils the mood, making it difficult for pub-goers to savour their experience. One user agreed, posting: “Closing at 10 is bad enough but I haaaate when they do last orders so far removed from closing time. It just creates a ‘get the hell out of here vibe’ and its no longer chill.”
Nonetheless, some people came up with a humorous explanation. They wrote: “People need to get home before they have to face the horror of the night bus.”
A third joked: “People need to get home before they have to face the horror of the night bus.” And turns out, it’s not just Londoners suffering the early closing hours.
The individual shared: “I used to work in Birmingham, in the ‘professional’ area of the city. The pubs closed at 7pm and closed at weekends. From 5pm to 7pm they were rammed full, then people went home and they were empty.”
Another person noted of London’s transport network: “Last train home usually about 11pm,” adding, “After that you are stranded.”
Others still said they prefer drinking in the capital’s outskirts or other UK regions where extended pub hours are more common. A commenter said: “No one stays in the City after 9…. most can only afford to live absolute miles away. Love a northern city, me. Everything on the doorstep.”
Meanwhile others pointed out London’s lofty pint prices and said it was difficult to afford a night out anyway. One wrote: “£8 a pint isn’t helping when it’s half that everywhere else.” while another joked: “If you’re drinking in central London, it’s safe to say you’ll be skint by 10pm anyway.”