New York, Madrid, Paris and Hong Kong are all phenomenal at the all nighter, but here in London it's not always so easy. Don't risk rocking up to a spot at 12:30 only to hear the infamously dreaded sound of a cowbell followed by a 'last orders' shout. Here are places you can swagger up to well past 12 cos they're on your side and in it for the long haul.
Soho/Central
Drinking 'til: Monday-Wednesday: 1am. Thursday-Friday: 2am. Saturday: 3am. Sunday: 12am
Keep the Blitz spirit alive and roaring in this abandoned Kingly Court tube station. It's use as an air raid shelter is no more, but it's function as a booze den is in full effect so put on your pastiche threads and chill in a vintage tube carriage necking em' down until the wee hours. Ration-inspired cocktails garnished with peardrops and crumbled Oxo cubes served in teacups await you. As do scoundrels, racketeers and generally debauched people. Get into it. Just to keep in the TFL vibe this joint's always busy so you might have to queue.
Kingly Court, 13 Kingly Street, London W1B 5PG
Drinking 'til: Mon - Sat: 3am
This speakeasy is kind of an institution, both in London and New York. But being popular doesn’t mean that it’s crap though. There's an epic cocktail menu that you can keep ordering from 'til 3am - it's not a rowdy vibe though, so keep friends with the bar dudes and stay cool.
61 Poland Street, W1F 7NU
Drinking 'til: Monday-Saturday: 3am
It's back with a revamp baby! The badass Kray twins used to own this joint, but now a sexy speakeasy, with cocktails in teacups, it's a bit cleaner round the edges. However, open 'til 3am it's a hot party place, so get involved if you're in need of some serious after hours drinking in Soho.
50, Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4SQ
Drinking 'til: Every single night - 6am
Big on the Soho LGB scene, Balans serves almost delicious food until well into the morning as well as wine, beer and some questionable cocktails. Diner style dining at it’s best.
34 Old Compton Street, Soho, London W1D 4TS
Drinking 'til: Monday-Saturday: 3am. Sunday: 12am
From the unmarked, chipped door to the candlelit French bartenders and spiral staircase… this place screams debauchery. Drink classily until the small hours then stumble down to HK Diner in Chinatown for surprisingly decent Chinese food until 4am. Double win.
13a Gerrard Street, London, W1D 5PS
Drinking 'til: Monday-Saturday: 3am. Sunday: 1am
Upstairs is a vibrantly coloured Mexican restaurant but you wanna be down below 'cos Dick's Bar where questionable things happen after midnight. Both are nestled between two sex shops, so you're in good hands. It's 'members only' so join the Pink Chihuahua Club to avoid entry issues or just say BarChick sent you and it's a reciprocal affair. We f*cking love this place. Try to make it down the steep stairs and get ready to line your body with mescal.
25-27 Brewer St, London W1F 0RR
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Wednesday: Closed. Other nights: 5am
This epic bar/club/party place has its debut in 1959 and was the coolest late night hot spot to hit London where Jimi Hendrix first played...RIGHT. Opening each night (bar Monday for now) at 11pm, this place keeps the party going until 5am. Oh yes, pack some spare clothes and your toothbrush, you may be heading straight to work. Entry is open to anyone, but you can only access by appointment only. Get BarChick concierge to book you a table - just text us for free on 07481 341284. Hi there.
13 Masons Yard, Westminster, London SW1
Open 22 hours a day, baby (7am - 5am) Sundays 7am-12pm.
Don’t be expecting somewhere fancy with Bar Italia, this 22-hour café, which closes from 5am until 7am, is for those who are in need. You can always grab a beer, but don’t head here if you want classic cocktails and a party atmosphere! Think of it more as an old mate willing to lend a helping hand. Expect a mix of Soho creatures, it’s epic for people watching.
22 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D 4RF
West
Drinking 'til: Monday-Thursday: 12am. Friday-Saturday: 2am. Sundays: 10pm
It’s the weekend and you’ve just got over your meat sweats. The music is blaring, jokes are heating up and yes, the drinks are flowing. On Fridays and Saturdays, the boys at Meat Liquor will keep the cocktails coming your way till 2am. Breakfast Martini anyone?
76 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AY
Drinking 'til: Monday-Thursday: 1am. Friday-Saturday: 2am. Sunday 12am.
Calling all 80 Days fan who fancy stepping into the 1870s for the night-Mr. Fogg's in swanky Mayfair is for you. BarChick loves it for its beautiful copper bar, 19th century curios (taxidermy and antique photographs) and adventurous cocktails. Whether you're at a table amongst Mr. Fogg's luggage or at that copper bar amongst suspendered barmen on Fridays and Saturdays, you'll be welcome till 2am. Dress immaculately like Fogg's ancestors would've done and shake up your night with a bit of whimsy. Bon voyage.
15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair W1J 6JD
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Wednesday: 2am. Thursday-Saturday: 3am
This is more of a dive bar that you stumble across when things are a little blurry, time is rolling into nothingness and the only thing on your mind is drink. This is for the unpretentious: its got old school tunes, dark corners and a late license. Open until 2am in the week and 3am Thursday through Saturday, this can be a last stop after your quiet drinks get out of hand!
4 Denmark Street London, Greater London, WC2H 8LP
Drinking 'til: 1am (Sundays 12am)
The original Dry Martini has been rocking Barcelona for years and now it's sexing up London as a seriously badass hotel bar. They're all about epic Martinis and will even present you with a certificate for your booze excellence.
Melia White House Hotel, Albany St, London NW1 3UP
Drinking 'til: Monday-Saturday: 2.30am. Sundays: 1.20am
This is a low-key member’s bar open until 3am on most nights and mainly for the actors in productions at the theatre above. However, you can get involved, membership is free as long as you get there before 8… deal. Perfect if you’re after late night boozing or are a failed actor looking to network.
1 Phoenix Street, London, WC2H 8BU
Drinking 'til: Thursdays-Saturdays: 2.30am
This is one helluva fun party basement, but you ain't getting in unless the bouncer likes the look of you: boys, leave the suits at home; And everyone do stop for chicken in the Moral Fox pop up upstairs because it's delicious and will keep you upright.
103 Talbot Road, London, W11 2AT
North
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Wednesday: 12am. Thursday: 1am. Friday & Saturday: 2am
Home to cocktail extraordinaire Tony Conigliaro, this bar was recently voted number 27 in the world. Known as “The bar with no name” it’s likely you’ll forget yours after tucking into cocktails made from syrups, reductions and infusions crafted in their own lab. The atmosphere is intimate and you’re welcome to while away the hours until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, provided you’ve made a reservation.
69 Colebrooke Row, London, N1 8AA
Drinking 'til: Wednesday–Thursday 2am. Saturday: 4am. Sunday: 4am
Kings Cross ain't just tumbleweed at 2am. Now there's a secret member's bar where you get awesome tipples and party hard 'til the early hours. Get yo'self in - contact BarChick concierge 07481 341284 (we can your gang in if it's four people or less).
Drinking 'til: Monday-Wednesday: 2am. Thursday-Saturday: 3am. Sunday: 1am
The earliest time this place shuts is 2am and they’re open Monday and Sunday… legends. At weekends these bad boys keep the alcohol flowing till 3am. There’s also a chance to get some free drinks if you’re willing to hand over your underwear. Live a little.
112 Upper St, London, N1 1NQ
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Thursday: 12am. Friday-Saturday: 2am. (Sometimes 'til 5am)
It’s not religious that this place stays open until 5:30am, but on the days that it does it’s a far from holy affair. All nighters every weekend. The DJ is brilliant in that wonderful way that means he doesn’t get offended if you ask him to play Usher for the third time in the row.
8 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 7XN
Rowans Tenpin Bowl
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Thursday: 12.30am. Friday-Saturday: 2.30am
Glam ain't the word, and it's so old school, you can even contact them by fax - but we love it. Plus it's pretty much the only place in London where you can bowl balls and swig wine til 2.30am. AND there's karaoke. Waaay!
Rowans Leisure, 10 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, N4 2DF
East
Drinking 'til: Tuesday-Wednesday: 12am. Thursday-Saturday: 5am
BarChick's new favourite late night hangout. Open 'til 5am baby! It starts to get busy around 2am when everyone pours in from the surrounding bars. Best thing of all, you get in via a phone on the wall - type in the number on the key pad, and in you go. Stumble down the stairs and hollar your cocktail of choice at the bar.
232 Kingsland Road, London E2 8AX
Drinking 'til: Monday-Sunday: 1am
A popular choice for a heavy night out with some damn fine drinks. Callooh Callay wouldn’t leave you high and dry as it stays open Thursday – Saturday until 1am. It's not the latest license we’ve come across, but we forgive them with cocktails and décor like THAT.
65 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY
Drinking 'til: Monday-Tuesday: 12am. Wednesday-Thursday: 1am. Friday-Saturday: 2am. Sundays: Closed
These guys don’t care what day of the week it is; it just isn’t a day to go home before 12. Mon-Thurs last orders are at 1am and that's stretched a little bit further during the weekend to 2am. Sure we have work at 10am, but who’s buying?
63 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2DU
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Wednesday: 1am. Thursdays: 2am. Fridays -Saturdays: 3am
Hidden between two cafés, head down the stairs for some pre prohibition fun, complete with old school glamour, live music, table service and seriously banging cocktails. During the weekend, you can get your glad rags on and party until 3am, and if you need a stiff drink after work then you can drink yourself dry until 1am.
129 City Road, London, EC1V 1JB
Sunday-Wednesday: 2am. Thursday-Saturday: 3am
This bad boy is over ripe for that blurry stage of the night. Well, it may not be fancy inside (what are you doing in Dalston?) but its got great club nights and gigs. It’s small but cheeky with a rammed dancefloor, good atmosphere and a wicked crowd. Grab a beer and get stuck in. Open until 2am Sunday – Wednesday and 3am for the rest of the week… party time.
91 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB
Sunday: Closed. Monday-Thursday: 1am. Friday-Saturday: 3am. Sunday: Closed
These guys will let anyone in til midnight, but it’s members only after that. To become a member you’ll need to pop in during the day and have a chat with staff. A charitable donation will go to the New Orleans relief effort and after that you’re free to drink Sazeracs until the daylight appears through the windows. On weekends, that is.
66-68 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY
Drinking 'til: Monday-Wednesday: 3am. Friday-Saturday: 4am. Sundays: Closed
This place is great if you’ve got a good crowd of mates and your favourite DJ is playing. There are 2 bars in the main room so getting served isn’t as much of a chore as usual… win. Be prepared though: the staff have some sort of attitude problem, but hey, that said, if you want some drinks, good music and a fun night out then whatever. This place is rocking until 3am on weeknights and 4am on the weekend.
32-37 Cowper Street, London, EC2A 4AP
Drinking 'til: Monday-Tuesday: 1am. Wednesday: 3am. Friday-Saturday: 5am. Sunday: Closed
A sort-of members club on the cusp of Shoreditch, The King’s Head is all about the late licence. Keep your wits about you if you want to get in here: call ahead, say you know Rocky, look hot and don’t slur. In the basement? A bona fide bashment. On Fridays and Saturdays, you're sorted until 5am. What’s not to love?
257 Kingsland Road, Haggerston, London E2 8AS
Monday-Wednesday: 11pm. Thursday: 2am. Friday-Saturday: 4am. Sundays: Closed
If you weren’t familiar with the term “disco pub” you will be after visiting The Horse and Groom. Get low in a traditional pub setting complete with two DJ booths. Don’t worry too much about last orders, they’re not ringing that bell for a good while yet.
28 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3NZ
The Dolphin - hold tight Dolphin is currently closed for a refurb' (can't wait to see the new look!)
Usually drinking 'til: 4:30am
No one really knows what time notorious late-night spot The Dolphin stays open until because no one can ever remember leaving: it's one of those fabled favourites. If you find the grimy outline of a dolphin stamped upon your person the next morning, then you know you’ve had a good time. Wear it like a badge of honour and give yourself a pat on the back.
165 Mare Street, London, E8 3RH
Drinking 'til: Monday: 12am. Tuesday-Thursday: 2.30am. Friday-Saturday: 4am
If you don’t mind super trendy and borderline pretentious East hangouts then head to Dalston Superstore. They state it’s open 'til “late” which means you’re in safe hands; they aren’t planning an early kip. Stay away from the cocktails and stick to things in bottles. This place gets rammed so keep your belongings and your lovers close… Apart from that make like Dale Winton and hit the aisles.
117 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB
The Haggerston
Drinking 'til: Monday- Thursday: 4pm–1am. Friday-Sunday: 12pm–3am
Something low-key that'll see you through until the wee hours. It's a packed lil' dance floor so get ready to be well acquainted with fellow party goers.
438 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AA
SOUTH
Drinking 'til: Sunday-Wednesday: 12am. Thursday: 2am. Friday-Saturday: 3am
Ride it out here with your mates until the early hours. There are three rooms the choose from, so you'll never get bored and there'll be plenty of twenty-something talent to clock. It's a bit late to the roaring 20's party, but who cares? They've got everything you fancy and you won't have to keep checking for last tube. Or heaven forbid, take the night bus. Gross.
15 Atlantic Road, London SW9 8HX
Open 'til 6am every night
You'd be mistaken if you thought Clapham was a dead town after 1am on a Saturday, head to Mosquito Bar and you can party on 'til 6am baby. Masquerading as a newsagents, it's a pretty subtle one. Neon lights and plastic cups, it's far from glamorous (their logo says it all) but it's chockablock on the weekends with fun bangers and a lively crowd. Ratio probably 70>40 men though, so lads looking to pull might feel hard done by.
5 Clapham High St, London SW4 7TS
Opens: Monday-Friday: 6am. Saturday-Sunday: 12pm
If you’ve managed to make it through to daylight hours then why not join the market workers here. Sure it’s likely they’ll be in a much better state than you, but who cares. You’ve been drinking for 12 hours straight; you’re practically a hero.
9 Stoney Street, London, SE1 9AA
Drinking 'til: 4am every night baby
Not quite a national treasure, but one of Peckham's finest and most bizarre boozers. Grab a Guinness, listen to a local punter barely croon Diana Ross and play pool with your mates. Don't worry about the tumbleweaves and pools of vom on the way out and in; just sidestep them and know it's all a part of the grotty charm. Peckham and proud.
188 Rye Ln, London SE15 4NF
Diggin' this? Check out: