The UK could soon be left with just 5,000 clubs, according to new data

New data has highlighted that despite the overall net growth of 10,000 businesses in the hospitality sector- the nightlife sector is declining with more clubs shutting.

Through analysis of data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), two software companies found that there had been an overall increase in registered hospitality businesses between 2019 and 2022.

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Between 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, however, the number of UK pubs, bars, and clubs decreased. Despite a minor increase in 2019, this is the continuation of a decade-long declining trend, with a net loss of -1300 pubs between 2019 and 2021.

The data was analysed by Stampede and StoreKit, two hospitality-focused software companies.

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In 2010 there were 10,040 registered clubs in the UK, this fell to 8370 in 2015, fell again to 7420 in 2017 and then again to 6985 in 2021.

With 6,985 registered clubs in 2021, down from a peak of 10,040 in 2010, the data analysers predict that it's highly feasible that the UK could soon have less than 5,000 clubs, particularly if COVID interruptions persist and capacities do not reach their full potential in the next years.

This might lead to independent businesses within the nightlife sector facing financial struggles.

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"It’s clear that drinks-focused businesses such as pubs, bars and clubs have all suffered more from the COVID restrictions than restaurants", Stampede wrote in a blog.

Christophe Delacroix, StoreKit CEO said: "With continued uncertainty, home-working & low footfall there's no denying that the industry is facing an extremely tough few months.”

Read this next: How to help clubs reopen safely and for the long haul

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter