London Late Night Bars

Opening Hours and Admission

All our picks below are open until at least midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with many of them open until 3am or later. But do double check times with the venue before getting glammed up and embarking on your big night out!

And be warned, most places will charge admission after a certain time (usually about 10pm). So get there early to get in free. Again, times and prices vary. Check before you head out.

Babalou

The crypt of St Matthew's Church in Brixton is the atmospheric setting for Babalou. The vaulted ceilings, North African furnishings and warm candlelight make for a cosy but chic setting for your cocktail drinking. It's great if you're looking for somewhere to relax and eat, but it's also good if you want to catch some live music or DJs and party till the sun comes up!

Bar Soho

A week-night favourite with workers in the area, Bar Soho gets even livelier at the weekend. During the summer you'll see people spilling out onto the streets, enjoying an alfresco drinking experience on the fabulous Old Compton Street. If you're planning something big, the upstairs room is available to hire and can hold up to 100 people.

Bartok

Fancy a bit of classical with your Campari? Bartok is cool and classy, and a bit of a contrast to some of the more grungy drinking establishments in nearby Camden. The interior is plush, sumptuous and very red. No dodgy jukebox here. The sounds encompass an inspired mix of jazz, classical, opera and world music.

Detroit

For Covent Garden chic, head to Detroit. The underground alcoves are stylish and sophisticated, as are the cocktails and beer and wine lists. With two bars and a restaurant, Detroit will suit after-work drinks, an intimate gathering or a big night out on the town.

Digress

If you're up West and out on the razz, Digress will do nicely. There are booths to be hired in the Moroccan-style basement or reserve yourself an area in the lounge bar on the ground floor. The disco, dance and pop soundtrack will get your party started.

Fluid

One of Clerkenwell's coolest bars, Fluid has a distinctly Japanese theme. Sushi, sashimi, tempura and gyoza are on the menu, while Kirin, Sapporo and Asahi are some of the beers on offer. And where else could you get a wasabi martini? That's definitely going to add a bit of a kick to your night!

Gilgamesh

This impressive venue is right in the heart of Camden's Stables Market. A Babylonian theme runs throughout Gilgamesh - from the extravagant decor (all bronzed carvings, statues and columns) to the exotic drinks menu and even the music. Ian Pengelley runs the restaurant. So you're in safe hands if you want to try out the pan-Asian menu.

Jewel

If you fancy a bit of glitter and sparkle, Jewel is the spot for you. The decor is extravagant, elegant and girly. Cocktails follow the precious gem theme. Try the Emerald (Smirnoff Blue, apple schnapps and fresh kiwi fruit, finished with a slice of kiwi) or the Ruby (Absolut Kurrant, strawberry liqueur and cranberry juice with a rose petal). How glam is that?

Lost Society

Formerly the Tea Room des Artistes, Lost Society is a fantastic new addition to Clapham. Housed in a 16th century barn, the interiors are decked out in a lavish art deco style. Chandeliers, mirrors and flock wallpaper give it an air of decadence, while the "secret" garden is ideal for secluded drinking on sultry summer nights. Catch the monthly burlesque night and eclectic DJ sets Thursday to Saturday.

Matt & Matt

Stepping into Matt & Matt - which bills itself as "your friendly, funky Islington bar" - is like reliving your package holiday to Spain. In this beach-style bar, sweets-flavoured vodkas are the speciality of the house. We never knew Jelly Babies could be so much fun! The relaxed, welcoming vibe, table football, pinball and open DJ nights will keep you coming back.

Sosho

Short for South Shoreditch, Sosho offers a mean cocktail menu. Not surprising really, as it's part of the Match chain. How about a grapefruit julep? Wyborowa vodka shaken with grapefruit, lime and pomegranate juices and a drizzle of honey syrup. Sounds good to us! Check out the changing art installations and club nights - even on a Sunday…