London’s best late-night venues – whether you want to drink, eat or dance.
Late night eating in London
Tinseltown
The vibe: A kitschy, ’50’s-style diner serving yummy food that would taste nice sober. No alcohol.
They say: “There aren’t many places serving fresh, affordable food until 5am. You can get a proper meal for about £7 and our milkshakes are legendary.”
Open: Mon-Thu 11am-5am; Fri-Sat 11am-4am; Sun 11am-3am.
» St John St, EC1M 4DF
Tube: Barbican
020 7689 2424
tinseltown.co.uk
Istanbul Iskembecisi
The vibe: Turkish restaurant serving delicious bites and booze until the small hours. Smart for Dalston, but not mega pricey.
They say: “There’s a relaxed, fun atmosphere later on at night. Get in touch if you want to book a party here.”
Open: Everyday 12pm-5am.
» Stoke Newington Rd, N16 8BH
Rail: Dalston Kingsland
020 7254 7291
istanbuliskembecisi.com
Late night bars where you can dance
Dalston jazz bar
The vibe: Don’t expect to see muchof the quirky, retro interior as this place is always heaving, but you’re guaranteed a party.
A punter says: “I always pull when I go, and I like the eclectic tunes.”
Open: Mon-Thurs 5pm-3am; Fri-Sat 5pm-5am; Sun 5pm-2am.
» Bradbury St, N16 8JN
Rail: Dalston Kingsland
020 7254 9728
The globe
The vibe: Caribbean food, reggae and rum in a proper old-school Notting Hill haunt.
They say: “We’re a very friendly bar and there are never any problems here. We stock everything behind the bar.”
Open: Everyday 11am-2.30am. Curry goat and more served until 1.30am.
» Talbot Rd, W11 2AT
Tube: Westbourne Park
07973 147716
Marathon Kebab House
The vibe: Hidden behind a kebab shop, this venue is actually a famous late-night spot that has been graced by the likes of Shane McGowan. Expect music and mayhem.
A punter says: “It’s pretty skanky and dark with old wooden tables. Purely for people who want to keep drinking.”
Open: Sun-Thurs 11am-2am; Fri-Sat 11am-4am.
» Chalk Farm Rd, NW1 8AR
Tube: Chalk Farm
020 7485 3814
London’s quirky late night venues
The Birdcage
The vibe: Old East Enders rub shoulders with groups of young’uns out on the lash. Get up and sing if you’ve downed enough.
They say: “We get a mixture of anyone and everyone in here. Some of the karaoke singers have amazing voices.”
Open: Has a 24-hour license but closes by 3.45am.
» Columbia Rd, E2 7QB
Tube: Bethnal Green
020 7739 0250
Nueva Costa Dorada
The vibe: Dark and atmospheric. Shake up your stale old Saturday night routine with some flamenco.
They say: “We get a vibrant, mixed crowd from all over the world.”
Open: 5pm-3am at the weekend, with live flamenco from 10pm. Food is served until 2am.
» Hanway St, W1T 1UX
Tube: Tottenham Court Road
020 7631 5117
costadoradarestaurant.co.uk
24-hour drinking in London
Nelson’s Head
The vibe: A quiet, friendly backstreet bar off Columbia Road. Opens at 7am on Sunday mornings for the traders.
A punter says: “Basically full of people who’ve been up all night. Good juke box and love the dodgy artwork on the walls.”
Open: Mon-Wed 4pm-11pm; Thurs-Sat 3pm-12am; Sun 7am-10.30pm.
» Horatio St, E2 7SB
Tube: Bethnal Green
020 7729 5595
nelsonshead.com
Da Vinci’s
The vibe: Unpretentious food, similar atmosphere. No one will laugh at your dancing.
They say: “There’s a Mediterranean bar atmosphere. Dance, drink and chat in a very safe environment.”
Open: Has a 24-hour license and closes according to how many customers are still drinking. Pizza and tapas served all night.
» Baylis Rd, SE1 7AA
Tube: Waterloo
020 7928 8099
