The evenings may have become longer but we’re an optimistic bunch here at SM Towers, so for us that translates to more time to spend in a bar and lighter, brighter mornings in which to enjoy a delicious breakfast. With that in mind, here’s our pick of London’s best late bars and early breakfasts.
Late City bar: Duck & Waffle, 110 Bishopsgate (above left)
Astounding, selfie-baiting views aside, the mixes at Duck & Waffle’s bar include a chocolate and blue cheese Martini: this is one for the adventurous night owl.
(Mon-Sun until 3am)
Early City breakfast: The Jugged Hare, 49 Chiswell Street (above right)
Yes, the City shuts down at the weekend, but not taxidermy-fest The Jugged Hare. You can get a top-quality, meaty breakfast fix here every. single. day.
(Mon-Sun from 7am)
Late Mayfair bar: Galvin at Windows, 22 Park Lane (above left)
On the 28th floor of Park Lane’s London Hilton hotel, enjoy stunning vistas of twinkly London and Galvin-standard bar snacks.
(Mon-Wed until 1am, Thurs-Sat until 2am)
Early Mayfair breakfast: Cecconi’s, 5a Burlington Gardens (above right)
Breakfast at this slick, sharp-suited Italian is a Mayfair institution. Perhaps not the one for that staying-out-all-night scenario, then.
(Mon-Fri from 7am, Sat-Sun from 8am)
Late Shoreditch bar: Callooh Callay, 65 Rivington Street (above left)
Enter the bar here in true Narnia style, through a walnut wardrobe. Expect fantastic cocktails that scream ‘drink me’ both here and in the ever-changing Jubjub lounge upstairs.
(Callooh Callay Mon-Sun until 1am, Jubjub Bar Thurs-Sat until 2am)
Early Shoreditch breakfast: Corner Room at Town Hall Hotel, Patriot Square (above right)
A wallet-friendly bistro alternative to the Town Hall Hotel’s Typing Room restaurant, take a stroll along Regent’s Canal afterwards.
(Mon-Fri from 7am, Sat-Sun from 7.30am)
Late Soho bar: Experimental Cocktail Club, 13a Gerrard Street (above left)
Set in a converted townhouse, this place feels like a private members’ club, with prices to match. Trust us: the quality justifies the price tag.
(Mon-Sat until 3am, Sun until midnight)
Early Soho breakfast: No.20 at Sanctum Soho Hotel, 20 Warwick Street (above right)
It’s all about rock and roll at this swanky, off-the-radar boutique hotel. With a Jimi Hendrix portrait in reception, there’s no danger of being judged for a hangover here.
(Mon-Sat from 6.30am, Sunday from 7am)
Late South Bank bar: Dandelyan at Mondrian London, 20 Upper Ground
With the Thames as your backdrop, drink late into the night with Mr White Lyan, Ryan Chetiyawardana’s second, fantastically experimental cocktail bar.
(Mon-Thurs until 1am, Sat until 1.30am, Sun until 12.30am)
Early South Bank breakfast: Aqua Shard, The Shard
More important than stupefying views, there’s treacle-cured smoked streaky back bacon. Need we say more?
(Mon-Fri from 7am, Sat-Sun from 9am)
Click here for even more places in London to pay tribute to lighter mornings (with your stomach).
This article was published 23 October 2015