Millennials

More millennials choosing not to go out

By Helen Gilbert

- Last updated on GMT

Netflix effect: research showed millennials choose to stay in rather than go to the pub
Netflix effect: research showed millennials choose to stay in rather than go to the pub

Related tags Television Bbc

Millennials are increasingly choosing to stay indoors and watch TV rather than head to the pub at the weekend, according to a new survey. 

Of 2,000 adults polled by subscription free satellite TV service Freesat, one in three 18 to 30-year-olds cited watching a new TV series or film using an on-demand service as Netflix or BBC IPlayer as their ideal Saturday night activity.

Just over a quarter described going to a pub or bar with friends as a favourite weekend pastime, 14% opted for dinner and 10% would go out on a date, the findings showed.

Saturday night activity

However, dining out with friends emerged the most popular Saturday night activity for the over-60s with almost a quarter (23%) choosing this option.

“The way that people watch movies and TV shows has changed drastically in recent years and young people especially are now taking advantage of the wide offering of on-demand services such as Netflix and Curzon Home Cinema,” Freesat spokesperson Jennifer Elworthy said.

A BBPA spokesman described the findings as more of a ‘long-term trend’ rather than a specific ‘Netflix effect’.

'Entertainment zones'

“There's no doubt we've never had more options, when it comes to how to spend our leisure time, and our homes have indeed become 'entertainment zones' in their own right,” he said.

“This highlights the importance of a great pub offer - casual dining has of course been the backbone of the pubs’ transformation to attract new customers, but live sport, where you can’t get the great atmosphere in the pub when compared to watching at home, great beer and great entertainment, are all crucial, as is making customers aware of what's on offer.”

Earlier this year, The Morning Advertiser​ reported that pub and restaurants were failing to keep up with millennial customers’ demands for mobile payment and loyalty options​.

The Oracle Hospitality findings suggested that 42.6% wanted to pay in a venue via their smartphone but only 21.7% had actually done so. 

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