Over the last few months, Cambridge’s nightlife scene has seen some major changes, and it’s clear the city is entering a new era. Perhaps the most noticeable shift has been the transformation of Lola Lo’s, a long-standing favourite for some , into KiKi. The rebrand comes under the same ownership as MASH, and there’s already a buzz surrounding the changes happening at the venue. With new events rolling out regularly and a fresh new identity to attract the younger crowd, KiKi seems set to become a key player in Cambridge’s ever-evolving nightlife landscape.
But it’s not just the venues themselves that are changing—there’s a different energy in the air. As the new academic year kicks off, it’s been hard to miss the excitement among this year’s crop of freshers. Compared to last year, there seems to be a bigger appetite for going out, and the enthusiasm is infectious. Whether it’s down to being cooped up during pandemic years or just the natural excitement of a new start, the freshers this year seem more eager to experience everything Cambridge has to offer after dark. For the nightlife scene, this is great news—more eager students mean livelier events, busier clubs, and a more vibrant city after sunset.
Interestingly, there’s also been a subtle shift in the tone of late-night politics. While competition between venues remains, there’s a sense of growing cooperation and support. With KiKi and MASH now under the same ownership, there seems to be less of the rivalry that can sometimes define the nightlife scene. Instead, businesses appear to be working more collaboratively, fostering a more positive atmosphere for everyone involved. If this spirit continues, it could open up new opportunities for partnerships and shared success, which is a refreshing change.
On a slightly different note, something that caught me off guard recently was the rising cost of alcohol-free options. As more and more people choose to stay sober or take it easy on nights out, the demand for non-alcoholic drinks has surged—but so has the price tag. It’s a strange contrast when you see alcohol-free beers and mocktails costing as much (or even more) than their boozy counterparts. For sober patrons looking to enjoy a night out without the buzz, the cost might be a deterrent. This could be something venues need to address, as inclusivity should also mean affordable options for all.
In short, Cambridge’s nightlife is shifting—new faces, new spaces, and new dynamics are all in play. With KiKi leading the charge in fresh energy, a more engaged crowd of students, and a growing sense of collaboration in the air, the city’s nightlife feels more exciting than it has in a while. Who knows what’s coming next? All I know is, it’s going to be interesting to watch it unfold.
