To not go to a friend’s birthday

[OnlyFoolsnMothers]

Do you have to go to a friends bday if:

You don’t like the venue
You don’t share the same friends
It’s not a milestone bday?

One of my close friend’s bday this month, I was ok to go when she was having drinks from 7pm close by to a central station (we live in London). She’s now changed it to 9pm at a club a train and a tube ride away- I could drive but parking has got hellish and all the one way systems.
I know her friends and they are nice but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly keen to hang out with them.
If it justifies my reluctance to go, I work full time with a toddler and honestly don’t think I could stay up past 11....that may even be a push! How bad is it now to say no to going....she wants numbers to reserve an area

Decline. It's sounds tricky.

I’d call her and invite her to a different birthday celebration you’re organising, within 3 days of her birthday.

Tell her that sadly your ‘late start clubbing nights’ are behind you (and hopefully in front too!) but that you’re keen to celebrate her. Be clear and cheerful.

A close friend would be fine with this, unless she’s one of those people who like to see friendship as an obstacle course they can test you on.

Yanbu...but I like the pps suggestion.

Nah, too much hassle.
I'd go with Skittles' suggestion.

Thanks all- I’m going to call her later and propose something else more local to celebrate.

You can do whatever you want to.

I decline anything involving loud bars and clubs.

Quiet pub and dinner I'm happy to go to, but I go home when my friends go on to clubs.