With the cost of going out going up all the time, a night on the town can quickly become pricey. But there are ways to enjoy an evening out on a shoe-string if you know where to look. We share our tips.
As the cost of living rises, so does the price-tag on an evening out – whether that’s simply a few drinks with your friends, a trip to the pictures, or something more extravagant. But having a healthy social life needn’t blow a hole in your wallet – there are ways you can enjoy night out on a budget.
Save on cinema trips
Going to the cinema to see the latest releases is by no means a cheap excursion anymore – most cinema-goers will find themselves paying up to £9 per ticket, and the cost of snacks like popcorn and nachos is notoriously high. However there are ways to go to the pictures for less, and sometimes even for free.
For example you can get 2 tickets for the price of 1 every Wednesday through the Orange Wednesdays scheme – simply text ‘FILM’ to 241 and you’ll get a confirmation text to show at the ticket desk.
If you aren’t with Orange you can still join in by getting a free Orange SIM card and unlocking your phone. You can even enjoy a discounted meal at Pizza Express after the film, with 2 for 1 mains and free garlic dough balls.
You can see new releases for free by signing up with See Film First or Momentum Pictures to be notified of free screenings when they take place.
Cut the cost of eating out
An impulsive meal ordered at a restaurant could quickly add up to a huge bill, but if you plan in advance there are plenty of ways you can make big savings on the cost of eating out. As so many restaurants are keen to tempt new customers through their doors, you’ll often find 2 for 1 deals or 50% off your food bill – meaning you get a free meal for every 2 people who dine.
However if you’re planning on grabbing a take-away after your night out, it may be a good idea to resist the temptation by having some snacks ready at home instead such as toast or crisps – your wallet and your stomach will thank you the next day!
Go to the theatre for less
If theatre is more your thing, there’s no need to pay full-price for a seat. Sites such as CompareTheatreTickets.com and Lastminute.com help you to hunt down the cheapest tickets for any show you fancy seeing in the West End, plus tickets are often cheaper when you book in advance.
Deals are also often available for discounted dinner and a show, plus there are free tickets available if you’re under 26.
Cut down on the cost of going to pubs or clubs
If you’re planning on going to a pub or club, you can save money by taking advantage of discounts like Happy Hour. As Happy Hour tends to be earlier in the evening, it may be worth buying drinks cheaply early on, such as cocktail jugs, and making these last the night – just don’t drink them all at once!
It may also be a good idea to discuss the idea of ‘rounds’ with your friends and explain that you’re on a budget – they’re likely to be as relieved as you to only be responsible for their own drinks. If the night you’re going out is a special occasion, such as a birthday, it’s worth letting bar and entry staff know – you may be entitled to free drinks or discounted entry.
If it’s a club you’re heading to, entry fees are usually cheaper the earlier you arrive. However if you don’t fancy going to the club early, you could try getting your hand stamped for entry then coming back later after spending a few hours at a cheaper pub.
Plan in advance
Though sometimes impulsive nights out can’t be helped by this strategy, it is worth thinking ahead if you have the time to. Set yourself a realistic budget to cover transport, drinks, food, and everything else, then withdraw the relevant amount as cash and think about leaving your debit and credit cards at home. This eliminates the risk of late-night cash withdrawals or using your card as a tab on the bar.
What’s more, if you need to have a designated driver in your group make sure this is arranged and agreed upon in advance. Some bars offer free or discounted soft drinks for designated drivers so these are worth looking out for, plus driving home means you save on taxi fare.
Get home for less
At the end of the night, try getting a bus home if possible, or going on foot if home isn’t far and you’re with a group of people. If one of your group doesn’t drink, it’s worth asking them to drive so that you have a free lift home at the end of the night. If you do need to get a taxi, try to share with as many of your friends as possible so that the fare can be shared among you.
