Unfortunately, that's British culture.
A lot of people you think are your friends are actually just drinking buddies.
Try to arrange something without alcohol and await the excuses.
I went for the TGI Extreme and that has been great.
https://www.giggear.co.uk/guitars/guitar-accessories/guitar-gigbags/bass-cases-gig-bags/tgi-extreme-electric-bass-gigbag.htm?opt=1564
Before the pandemic, I used to visit the US once a year. Always a great time to stock up on strings and pedals. DR strings are $20 compared to £35/40 here.
I've never understood this joke.
Apart from the fact that it's very old now, the fact is that vegans have to tell people they are vegan, just the same way as those who don't drink have to tell others they don't drink.
For the record, I'm not vegan.