GEN Z is swapping shots for squats and scones – preferring to socialise at the gym and over afternoon tea.
A poll of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 29 found they’re increasingly choosing lowkey, experience-led ways to socialise, with 53 per cent opting for daytime or early evening get-togethers over nights out.
Gen Z prefer going to the gym and drinking tea to alcohol Credit: Getty Images
In addition to the gym (38 per cent) and afternoon tea (24 per cent), those polled also enjoy playing board games with their pals (28 per cent) and crafting together (18 per cent).
Book groups (12 per cent) are also popular, as are running clubs (13 per cent) and wellness classes (13 per cent).
The research also found younger adults are embracing a nostalgia-led approach to socialising, with 86 per cent saying they enjoy putting their own twist on trends from the past.
More than half (52 per cent) said modern twists on nostalgic experiences appealed to them more than traditional versions or entirely new activities.
The research was commissioned by , which launched an immersive Cherry Coke Café experience to celebrate its new range and new flavour Float.
, who has teamed with the brand, said: “I love anything that brings people together in a fun, relaxed way.
“Anything with a cute twist on something we all know, but with a fresh, playful feel, is a favourite of mine.”
The study also found six in 10 prefer to socialise in a lower key way than they did five years ago.
For 78 per cent, cost was the main driver in how they chose to socialise with friends, with a third preferring to go for an afternoon tea with friends than a night out.
More than half (54 per cent) said they actively sought out social plans that didn’t revolve around .
As a result, 48 per cent felt more present and engaged during relaxed, daytime social plans.
When asked which activities were most enjoyed with friends, shopping proved most popular (52 per cent), followed by trying new food and drink experiences (47 per cent).
While exercise (38 per cent), board games (28 per cent), afternoon tea (24 per cent) and visiting themed or pop-up experiences (24 per cent) also made the list.
Of those who took part in the study, conducted via OnePoll.com, soft and fizzy drinks were the top choice (42 per cent) when socialising in relaxed environments.
Ellie D’Silva, spokesperson at Great Britain, which saw the café open over the weekend allowing guests to explore the space and book an afternoon tea experience, said: “The results show Gen Z are part of a ‘spin generation’, they love to take elements of the past and reinterpret them in a way that reflects their own style and identity.
“Whether it’s reimagining classic social rituals like afternoon tea or picking a new favourite in the new range, we wanted to create an experience that feels both nostalgic and new.”
Coca Cola launched their own afternoon tea experience Credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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