IS LONDON’S NIGHTLIFE FALLING ASLEEP? Taxi association Chairman reflects on the capital nighttime economy
London’s nightlife has long been a symbol of its vibrant culture, drawing both locals and tourists alike. But, according to Paul Brennan, Chairman of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), the once-thriving evening scene is in decline.
In an article for TAXI newspaper, Brennan reflects on a recent night out with his son in the capital. He recounts how Covent Garden, once full of energy, was unusually quiet. Conversations with pub-goers revealed a common concern: safety. Many were rushing to catch the last train home before the clock even struck midnight, citing fears of crime.
Brennan’s observations are echoed by data. London, with nearly 10 million residents, ranks last among the UK’s 12 largest cities for nightlife. Only 5.9% of venues remain open past 2am on a Saturday, compared to 15.8% in Manchester—a city a third of the size.
The reasons behind this shift are complex. Remote working may have emptied the city of Friday night revellers, but the bigger issue seems to be safety concerns and a growing sense of unease on the streets after dark.
Despite the city having a dedicated “night czar” to boost the nightlife, Brennan argues that efforts have fallen flat. Even areas like Shoreditch, which remain lively, aren’t enough to change the overall picture. With the recent resignation of the night czar, Amy Lamé, there is hope that new leadership might bring the change that London’s evening economy desperately needs.
For now, as Brennan concludes, London risks becoming the city that sleeps—unlike New York, which famously never does. The challenge remains: can the capital reclaim its place as a hub of after-dark entertainment?
Brennan wrote in TAXI Newspaper: “I decided to go out in the cab on Friday and Saturday night for the following two weekends to see how it was, as I’ve rarely worked past 10pm in recent years, although in all my years as a cabbie, I’ve experienced every conceivable shift going. In fact, my preferred hours were always from 6.00pm until the early hours, when the streets came alive with people eager for a night out.
“Initially, as my shift began all seemed ok, from 10.00pm till midnight, it still felt a little like old times—plenty of passengers and laughter echoing on the streets and spilling from some bars. But as the clock struck midnight, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Venues across London that once thrived became eerily quiet and devoid of patrons and activity.“
