Jodie Weston says British nightlife has not bounced back since COVID

In a broadcast segment, DJ and influencer Jodie Weston discussed her career and the state of British nightlife after the pandemic. Weston, who has appeared on reality TV and built a following as a content creator, began DJing around 2017. She has performed overseas, including in Mexico, Ibiza and Albania, and the interview was framed around her first time working behind a bar.

Weston said she balances a demanding DJ schedule with being a mother. She can finish at 4am, get home at 5am, and still have to be up at 8am or 9am for her son. She relies on energy drinks and on her mother for night-time childcare, which she said is easier to arrange because most people work during the day.

Reflecting on changes in British nightlife, Weston said 2017 was still a high point, with London, especially Mayfair, buzzing with clubs and bars. She was gaining momentum as a DJ just before COVID struck, and said the pandemic 'completely killed the vibes' and set her back. Since restrictions lifted, she said England has not returned to pre-COVID levels, though she has seen stronger demand in Europe and other parts of the world. She pointed to economic pressure and changed habits.

Weston contrasted her own generation with Gen Z. She said millennials lived for the weekend and felt they had cheated themselves if they missed a Friday or Saturday night out. She said millennials consume the most alcohol while Gen Z consumes the least, describing it as a rapid shift. She said she was unsure what the future holds for club DJing.

New formats are already emerging, she said. DJ sets now take place in coffee shops, spas with saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzis, and even churches. She hoped nightclubs might bounce back in five to 10 years, comparing the cycle to fashion, but said the industry must adapt for now. She DJs abroad because events feel more immersive, citing a festival in Albania where coloured powder was thrown in a style similar to Holi. She said colourful, immersive events work well for content and suggested bringing more of that to the UK.

Asked about performers making political statements, Weston said she preferred not to get involved and did not want to comment on the 'Ed Sheeran thing'. She said performers are there to entertain and offer escapism, and that DJs or singers do not have to speak out unless they are personally affected.

The segment ended with Weston trying to pour a pint of Stella into the correct glass. She was given tips on tilting the glass and pulling the tap fully. The transcript was truncated during the attempt.