Swapping the The Queen’s Head for the Staying INN – 2M Londoners are keeping their spirits up by partying into the small hours at home, it has emerged.

Inspired by British pop icon Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who has been keeping the nation entertained during lockdown with her regular kitchen discos, a quarter (25%) have been dancing at home since the pandemic began.

Dubbed, “legal lockdown lock-ins’, couples, housemates, families and support bubbles across the capital are enjoying late night revelry to stave off the coronavirus blues.

From neon signs, to new sound systems, string lights to smoke machines; nearly half a million Londoners have bought glitter balls to add some sparkle to their big night-ins.

Undeterred by laggy Zoom audio or patchy video, whether it’s cards or cocktail masterclasses, one in five (19%) agree their micro parties and kitchen discos regularly go on until 1.00 am on a weekend.

While a committed third (34%), admit to crawling into bed just before sunrise at least once a month.

But supplies at ‘Stay At Home Arms’ can often be a cause of premature ‘last orders’ though.

Running out of mixers, food and ice are key culprits that act as early curtain closers to our nights at home, according to the independent study of 2000 adults.

A spokesperson for around-the-clock app-based convenience store – Zapp, who commissioned the research said “We’ve seen a booming eleven – 7 economy of late.

“Despite bars and clubs being closed, 2am is proving to be one of the busiest hours for nocturnal shoppers.”

Like a convenience store in the cloud, Zapp is the ultra-speedy and sustainable service that can bring 1000s of items at the touch of a button, 24-7 for a flat fee of £1.99, or free for orders over £30. From groceries to gourmet, vegan or gluten free treats as well as tobacco and vapes, alcohol and pharmacy items, the list is endless.

Analysing more than 3000 thousand orders since January 2021, the 10-minute delivery app has revealed a fascinating window into our nocturnal buying habits and late night cravings.

Kinder Happy Hippos, cans of RedBull and Cheetos Twisted Flamin’ Hot crisps are the top 3 items ordered between eleven and seven am.

Ice cream cravings are very real too, especially with sweet-toothed vegans. Pots of Magnum Vegan Almond, Haagen-Dazs Strawberries & Cream and Ben Jerry’s Vegan Choc Fudge are the most sought after frozen snacks throughout the night.

While ice cube orders are most frequent between 11pm and midnight, re-ups on mixers are most likely to occur between 1am and 2am.

According to Zapp’s sales data, the nation’s lock-ins are turning into love-ins on a weekend, with condom deliveries at their peak between 1am and 2am on a Saturday night.

In the light of clubs and bars being shut, the independent study found resourceful Londoners are really going that extra mile in making the best out of a bad situation.

Doing the rounds on TikTok, over 450,000 Londoners have been inspired to buy the star projector lamp that mimics the effect of a starry night. And a similar amount have even gone so far as investing in DJ decks.

“Dancing is cathartic – a great way to let go of pent-up emotions and releasing those endorphins.” continued the spokesperson.

“Whether you’re letting off steam at a weekend, stuck inside with a baby, or even isolating with Covid-19, there are a million reasons why Zapp can ride to your rescue – without putting any extra pressure on the planet.

“Zapp uses electric vehicles for all riders and works with OLIO, the food sharing app, to reduce waste. Just everything you need in 10 minutes.”

Top 10 ways Londoners have brought their ‘legal lockdown lock-ins’ to life since the start of the pandemic

Fairy / string lights
Karaoke
Turned colour-changing LED kitchen lighting into party lighting
Bought a new sound system
Bought a projector
Neon signs and lights
Props and fancy dress
Disco ball lighting
Purchased a glitter/mirror ball
DJ Decks