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Food

This Is How Much Money You Waste on a Night Out

A new poll shows that the average person spends at least $74 on every night out, with food and drink accounting for most of the cost.

One of the worst parts of waking up after a night out, on par with the regrettable WhatsApp messages and pounding headache, is rifling through your pockets to discover just how many times you waved your magic contactless card at the bartender. There were those glasses of wine during dinner, Negronis at the fancy bar (oh God, and the shots), and the eyes-bigger-than-your-stomach McDonald's order on the way home …

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You might want to avoid the night out maths, but a new study has just done the sums for you.

READ MORE: Millennials Are Spending an Embarrassing Amount on Brunch and Takeaway Pizza

Released last week by UK bar and club operator Deltic Group, the research shows that the average Brit spends at least £58 (about $74 US) on a night out, with food and drink accounting for most of the cost.

Could explain why you spend the week before payday skimming the mold off the top of the pesto jar.

The report, which polled a sample of 2,522 Brits, also found that where you choose to spend that money varies with age. While 35 percent of 18 to 21-year-olds spend most of their late night budget in clubs, the figure falls to 14 percent of 26 to 30-year-olds.

According to Deltic, as soon as we hit 22, we're just so over sticky floors and Apple Sourz. A third of 22 to 25-year-olds spend most of their money in pubs, and the number rises to over a third in 26 to 30-year-olds. Just one in five of those sprightly 18 to 21-year-olds choose to cough up the cash for a civilised pint.

READ MORE: This Is Why Restaurants Charge So Much for Tiny Portions

Deltic Group also found that punters aren't going hungry after a big night out. The survey showed that an average of £15.55—that's 27 percent of late night spending—goes on buying food. It seems that with more British club closures, restaurants are stepping in to fill the after-hours void.

Might be best to leave the contactless card at home next time.