Rekom UK sees ‘record trading’ as clubbers return

Chief executive Peter Marks told BigHospitality​'s sister title The Morning Advertiser​​​ that demand for clubbing has 'never been higher', with cocktail sales booming and dwell time and spend up.

“Since reopening, we have noticed more pre-booking than usual as people want to make sure they can get in, but the majority of our customers are still walk ins, as it was pre-pandemic,” he said.

“There is a clear high demand for clubbing now that we are back open again – particularly for young people, many of whom were hit hardest by Covid-19 restrictions while at university or entering the job market despite being part of a low risk group. They are excited to enjoy a night out after all this time and regain some of what has been lost since March 2020.”

He added that the 42-strong nightclub operator is seeing many new faces in its clubs as 18 and 19-year-olds missed out on their first clubbing experiences during the lockdown period and want to make up for it.

“We are experiencing record trading. Our target market clearly want to get on with their lives and with more than 71% of the 16 to 25 demographic reported as having had Covid already, the vaccination programme and the low levels of personal risk you can see why,” he added.

While the government has relaxed the rules regarding the wearing of facemasks and isolation, Rekom UK is continuing to operate a flexible policy. Both staff and customers can wear masks if they feel more comfortable, but it is not mandatory.

“We also have increased frequency of cleaning schedules compared to before the pandemic and sanitisation stations throughout all our clubs,” Marks said. “As well as this, we have air ventilation systems in all our venues which change air every five minutes on average.”