New York, Madrid, Paris and Hong Kong are all phenomenal at the all nighter, but here in London it’s not always so easy. Let BarChick tell you which places are on your side and are in it for the long haul…
(…in order of lateness…)
MEAT LIQUOR – 1am
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 1am. Breakfast Martini anyone?
76 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London, W1G 0AY
CALLOOH CALLAY – 1am
A popular choice for a heavy night out with some damn fine drinks. Callooh Callay wouldn’t leave you high and dry, staying open Thursday – Saturday until 1am. Not the latest licence we’ve come across, but we forgive them with cocktails and décor like THAT.
65 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY
WHISTLING SHOP – 1am / 2am
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 stretching that little bit further during the weekend to 2am. Sure we have work at 10am but who’s buying?
63 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2DU
SLIM JIMS – 2am / 3am
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
NIGHTJAR – 1am / 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
ALLEY CAT – 2am / 3am
This is more of a dive bar that you stumble across when things are a little blurry, time is rolling into one and the only thing on your mind is drink. This is for the unpretentious; its got old school tunes, dark corners and a late licence. Open until 2am in the week and 3am at the weekend this can be a last stop after your quiet drinks get out of hand!
4 Denmark Street London, Greater London, WC2H 8LP
ALIBI – 2am / 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 dance floor, 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
THE PHOENIX ARTS CLUB – 3am
This is a low key member’s bar, open until 3am most nights, mainly for the actors in productions at the theatre above. However, you can get involved membership 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
XOYO – 3am
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, if you can’t beat em join em. This place is rocking until 3.
32-37 Cowper Street, London, EC2A 4AP
EFES POOL BAR – 4am
Up a sinister stairwell is a grown up youth club filled with a bar, good music, good crowd and a whole lot of pool tables. The party keeps going till 4am, so put a quid down on the table, grab a beer and let’s play. This Turkish pool hall has all the things that can be so wrong going on, but somehow it’s just so right! Music comes from the music channels on the big TV screens so it stops any of these hipsters taking themselves too seriously. Watch out for the drunkard falling into you as you prepare for a winning shot, the people in here are all for a good time, so don’t come expecting Olympic techniques.
THE SCOTCH – 5am
The Scotch – the latest and coolest late night hot spot to hit London, first opened in 1965 and closed for 15 years… (and it was the first place Jimi Hendrix ever 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. Email office@the-scotch.co.uk to book your tables. Or come and join BarChick; she’ll be there.
13 Masons Yard, Westminster, London SW1
DALSTON SUPERSTORE – “late”
if you don’t mind super trendy and borderline pretentious East hangouts then head to Dalston Superstore. They state it’s open till “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.
BAR ITALIA – 24hours
Don’t be expecting somewhere fancy with Bar Italia, this 24 hour café 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
