9 Late-Night Bars In London

By Ellie Smith

7 months ago

Where to drink after-hours


It’s a tale as old as time. The cocktails are flowing, the tunes are playing and the night is young… but all of a sudden, the lights turn on and you’re rushed out of the bar. You’re not ready to end the party, but where to go next? Fear not: there are lots of bars open late in London – if you know where to look. From 24-hour bars in the city to party pubs in Dalston, the capital has plenty to offer night owls. Whether you’re frantically googling ‘bars open now’ at 1am or are anticipating a big one and planning ahead, here are the best late-night bars in London.

Bars Open Late In London

 

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Bar Italia, Soho

If you’re looking to party into the early hours, Soho is a safe bet: one of the capital’s liveliest party hubs. Whatever hour you arrive there, you can rock up to the long-standing Bar Italia on Frith Street, which famously closes for just two hours a day, from 5am – 7am. While originally a coffee house, nowadays it serves Aperol Spritzes into the early hours. 

Opening hours: 7am – 5am daily (except for Sundays)

22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF, baritaliasoho.co.uk

The Horse & Groom, Shoreditch

Built on the site of the Curtain Theatre where Shakespeare himself once performed, this beloved Shoreditch haunt is nicknamed the disco pub thanks to its reputation for late-night dancing. Visit on a Friday or Saturday night to party the night away until 4am, with music from renowned DJs like Dimitri From Paris and Jamie Jones.

Opening hours: Until 2am on Thursdays, and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays

28 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3NZ, thehorseandgroom.net

Duck & Waffle

Steven Joyce

Duck & Waffle, Bishopsgate

London’s most famous 24-hour bar is Duck & Waffle, perched on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate. Being one of the tallest restaurants in Europe, it offers unparalleled views of the capital – even better if you’re there at sunset. Pop in for a late-night (or early morning) cocktail: favourites include the Breakfast Fizz, a blend of Grey Goose L’Orange vodka and pink grapefruit; and the Duck & Stormy, made with rum, coconut and ginger juice. Soak up the booze with nibbles from the late-night menu (think croquetas and tacos) or try the signature Duck & Waffle dish.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours

110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, duckandwaffle.com

 

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Village 512, Dalston

Opened in 2021 in the heart of east London, Village 512 is an LGBTQ+ friendly bar which stays open until 6am on weekends. With its neon interiors and fun cocktails, it’s perfect for a post-pub dance, offering late-night karaoke and drag shows.

Opening hours: Until 2am on Thursdays, 6am on Fridays and Saturdays

512 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AE

 

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Balans Soho Society No. 60, Soho

During the daytime, the Soho branch of Balans looks just like any other restaurant. But London’s in-the-know party gang know it has a reputation for late-night revelry, serving cocktails until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays (and 5am on Wednesdays and Thursdays). This buzzy spot serves up more Pornstar Martins than anywhere else in the city – and the dinner menu is available until midnight, in case you’re feeling a little peckish.

Opening hours: Until 6am on Friday and Saturdays

60-62 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UG, balans.co.uk

Lit Bar, Clapham

Lined with bars and clubs, Clapham High Street is one of the city’s biggest party hotspots. But if you want to stay out past midnight, swerve Infernos and head to Lit Bar, a vibrant late-night haunt hidden away under the railway arches. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s open until 3am, with regular DJ and club nights – some are ticketed so it’s worth checking what’s on in advance.

Opening hours: Until 3am on weekends

15-16 Lendal Terrace, London, SW4 7UX, litbar.co.uk

The George Tavern, Stepney Green

Looking for a pub open late in London? Head to The George Tavern in Shadwell, one of the capital’s oldest and most historic pubs – mentioned in the writings of Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys and Geoffrey Chaucer. To this day, the venue retains the feel of an old-school East End boozer, with a popular live music offering. It’s open until 3am on weekends, plus it serves delicious pizza. What more could you want?

Opening hours: Until 2.30am on Thursdays, and 3am on Fridays and Satrudays

George Tavern, 373 Commercial Rd, Stepney Green, London E1 0LA, thegeorgetavern.london

The Tiger, Camberwell

When everywhere else is closing, savvy south-east Londoners know to make a beeline to The Tiger, Camberwell’s beloved party pub. It stays open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, and in the early hours the main seating area turns into a dancefloor, thanks to music from a resident DJ. Drinks are reasonably priced, and you can always guarantee a fun atmosphere.

Opening hours:  Until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays

18 Camberwell Green, London SE5 7AA, thetigerpub.com

Martello Hall, London Fields

Housed inside a former pub in Hackney and spread over three floors, Martello Hall is an all-day restaurant and bar with a rustic-chic, industrial-style aesthetic. It stays open until 3am on weekends, so you can pop in for a late-night pizza, a cocktail and a dance. Alternatively, try the famed bottomless brunch (available until 7pm) and stay all day and night…

Opening hours: Until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays

Martello Hall, 137 Mare St, London E8 3RH, martellohall.com