London’s most anticipated post-lockdown activities revealed

Ellie Green
Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Wednesday, May 5th, 2021

A survey by Addison Lee has revealed that returning to watch the next top blockbusters on the big screen and going for brunch with friends top the list of Londoners' most anticipated activities post-Lockdown. Following closely is heading to a pub with colleagues after work. However, despite all this excitement going on, most admit they are dreading the return to the busy rush hour Tube and fighting for a pint in a crowded pub. 

For the launch of their ALmost There campaign, Addison Lee have taken a deep dive into exactly what Londoners are looking forward to the most when lockdown ends, as well as the most popular activities to do in London after months of waiting. 

After being cooped up in their houses, Londoners are ready to explore everything the city offers. With the lifting of the lockdown, shopping districts, restaurants, and other businesses are gearing up to open their doors once again. Entertainment joints, including Queen of the South, new Tulse Hill Pub, are looking to reinvent pub culture more than ever. And for many Londoners, a spot with drinks, food, live music, games, dancing, and DJs all in one room sounds like a plan.

For others, beauty therapy is a priority and this includes going to the salon or barber for pampering. With the lockdown resulting in most people detesting their rogue nails and eyebrows, getting them fixed is a top activity to get done.  

The thrill of finally being able to make plans is key for the capital post-lockdown as 46% of people say they're most excited about filling up the calendar and having something to look forward to on weekends again. 

Big Screen Movies (43%) tops the list of most anticipated experiences post-lockdown, followed by Brunch (42%) and Going Down the Pub (34%). However not all our experiences revolve around eating and drinking, as Getting Out and About with the Kids (34%) and visiting Museums and Exhibitions (30%) also feature in our top 5.  

Top 5 Experiences We're Most Looking Forward to: 

  1. Big Screen Movies (43%)
  2. Brunch (42%)
  3. Going Down the Pub (34%)
  4. Getting Out & About with the Kids (34%)
  5. Museums & Exhibitions (30%)

With all the excitement going on, it's easy to forget there's anxiety too. Londoners feel the most stressed about getting back on a busy Tube at rush hour (40%), shortly followed by a crowded pub (32%) and commuting costs (30%). 

Things we're least excited about: 

  1. The Tube at rush hour (40%) 
  2. Crowded pubs (32%) 
  3. Commuting costs (30%) 
  4. Queuing (30%) 
  5. Dressing smartly (17%) 

Gen Z Are Eager To Go Clubbing 

Unsurprisingly, priorities between age groups can be wildly different. At 27%, Gen Z ranks clubbing high up on their list of things to do when lockdown ends, more than any other age group - Bring on June 21st! 

Considered the biggest partygoers, Gen Zers crave out-of-the-box entertainment that allows them to socialize with their friends. Hence, you'll likely find them in local bars dancing to live music, attending music festivals, or booking tickets for different tours. So, the chances of live shows being sold out are very high. 

Here's what else scored the highest in each age group: 

  • Baby Boomers: Browsing independent stores, visiting markets, going to the theatre 
  • Gen X: Eating out, visiting friends, going to the pub 
  • Millennials: Going to the cinema, brunch, days out with the kids
  • Gen Z: Going to the cinema, picnics, shopping 

Regardless of age group, Londoners just seem eager to get back into town, visit iconic landmarks, and celebrate social connectedness once more. 

If you're just as excited, start making plans to visit some of the best experiences and activities in London now. Have fun!

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