{
  "id": 15744825,
  "title": "Bingo in the Square Mile: Inside Dabbers Social",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/bingo-in-the-square-mile-inside-dabbers-social",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-20T13:13:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/bingo-in-the-square-mile-inside-dabbers-social/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the heart of London's financial district, a new trend has emerged in the experience economy – bingo halls. Ahead of the Toast the City Awards, which celebrate the best of the Square Mile, we take a closer look at Dabbers Social, a bingo club that has captured the attention of Gen Z. Unlike traditional darts, karaoke, or axe-throwing nights, bingo is now a popular pastime among the younger generation. Dabbers Social stands out with its eccentric atmosphere, featuring callers dressed in outrageous costumes, including colorful wigs and fluorescent capes. The club offers more than just bingo, with a variety of entertainment such as stand-up comedy, quizzes, and cabaret performances. These activities often have seasonal themes, like Halloween and Christmas, adding to the lively and festive atmosphere. In addition to the entertainment, Dabbers Social provides food and drink packages, including unique cocktails, themed burgers, and lighter brunch options. The success of Bingo can be attributed to the post-pandemic interest from young people. Half of Buzz Bingo's 175,000 new players in the past year were under 25, with young members being 30% more likely to attend themed nights and ticketed events. This trend reflects a broader movement towards experiential leisure, which encompasses activities like escape rooms and mini-golf. For more information and to book, visit dabberssocial.co.uk.",
  "summary": "Ahead of this year’s Toast the City Awards, celebrating the best of the Square Mile, we go inside Dabbers Social bingo Forget darts, karaoke and axe-throwing: bingo is the latest way the experience economy has shifted in the capital. New clubs dedicated to your gran’s favourite past time, now a huge hit with Gen Z, [...]",
  "key_points": [
    "Dabbers Social attracts Gen Z to bingo in London's financial district.",
    "Eccentric atmosphere features callers in outrageous costumes.",
    "Post-pandemic interest drives young attendance at themed events."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The rise of themed bingo clubs signals a shift toward experiential leisure as younger generations prioritize interactive social entertainment over traditional nightlife options within the city's financial district.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}