Why London is the world’s best city… but its early closing times suck

London is undoubtedly one of the world’s great cities, but its early closing times and limited late-night transport are a real barrier for those of us travelling in from the regions. We’re fortunate enough to attend several awards evenings in London each year, but the return journey often sours the experience. The last train back to Leicester takes hours, which actually puts us off attending some events altogether.

For a world beating capital city, the night time transport in London has a lot to be desired. A highly unionised Transport for London means that picking a fight with them would lead to industrial action and a huge bill. The mayor is in a tough spot, but this needs to be rectified. Not only are businesses suffering, but so are those who live in the capital and, of course, the millions of tourists who visit.

London is a great city with so much going on but the transport out of the city is the killer, like many cities. It doesn't need to be late - just later. Getting out of venues takes so long to get back to the mainline stations. The costs are also horrendous. London still has a buzz but it is quieter hum now. Head out of the cities and the areas are like ghost towns. In Portsmouth area, places can be empty by 9/9.30pm on a weekend night. Just this week, we were quoted £395 for a return taxi for 8 to travel 23 miles each way- £8.58 a mile and £50 per person. The hospitality sector is taking an economical financial bashing from the Government- we need to save this loved sector and make it more accessible and financially viable and retain socialising as an event of fun and future and not make it a ghostly thing of the past.

Venues like pubs or bars have to apply for a premises licence, and the council can impose restrictions such as set closing times. These restrictions have tightened in London since the pandemic, with very few getting a licence to operate past 10pm/11pm as councils are more worried about the impact venues have on local noise and crime levels. They may offer compromises, but these are often burdensome on the business - such as requiring increased security - and would make it unsustainable for them to operate. The cost of living crisis is also affecting both businesses and consumers. Operating costs are higher, so venues need more business to make it worth staying open late.

TFL is also restricted from staying open all night simply because it would be prohibitively expensive. TFL just about covers its operational costs as is, so a 24/7 service is likely to be financially unviable as footfall would inevitably be lower but staffing levels would need to be similar.