Please don’t ask the coffee lover like me about how someone would crave a coffee; it is comforting to know that some late-night owls like me need a cup of coffee to carry on for the rest of the night. What if the late-night owls who are coffee lovers also got the sober chat over a coffee and a treat?
Now your desire can be fulfilled. The coffee shops and cafes listed below are the late-night cafes in London that are absolute lifesavers for you.
Right from soothing coffee and delicious desserts to hearty meals that hit the spot at 2 a.m., London has a lot to offer once the sun goes down.
Here are the 6 best late-night cafes in London that satisfy cravings well into the night. Let’s dive into the guide.
6 Best late-night cafes in London for late-night cravings
1. VQ(Vingt-Quatre)
VQ is London’s first 24-hour restaurant, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night options for both night owls and early risers.
VQ is a classic choice for those seeking a late-night cafe in London. This cafe has been feeding hungry late-night owls for decades with their menu.
They serve the English breakfast at midnight, including burgers, milkshakes, pancakes, and a course coffee at 4 am.
VQ offers relaxed vibes, and their portion of the meal is plentiful. The cafe is the best option for students and freelancers who need a casual spot to eat, sit, and recharge at odd hours.
What to order?
- Must try a full English breakfast.
- Pancake with syrup.
- Burgers and milkshakes.
- Coffee.
Address: 325, Fulham Road, SW10 9QL, London, UK
Opening hours: 24 hours a day.
2. Duck & Waffle
London’s most famous skyscraping restaurant, Duck & Waffle is remains 24*7 open. You can watch the city from your table on the 40th floor in the Heron Tower.
If you arrive in the restaurant between midnight to 5 am, then you will unlock the special late-night menu, including waffles, ox-cheek doughnuts, grilled cheese sandwiches, coffee, and the signature dishes here.
They also serve cocktails and a Champagne Negroni. This place is also a perfect place for sunrise, sunset, and unmatched city views, and high-quality food at any hour.
What to order?
- Duck broth with a waffle.
- Classic waffles with syrup.
- Coffee.
- Cocktails.
Address: 40th floor, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY, London, UK
Opening hours: It remains open 24*7
3. Balans Soho cafe
Balan Soho cafe is the most famous late-night cafe in London, where you can soak up the enchanting atmosphere day and night. They serve the menus from breakfast to burgers to coffee and cocktails.
It is one of the most stylish late-night cafes in London, especially popular with theatre goers and creative professionals. The lighting is soft, and seating is comfortable, and the menu is very exciting.
From heavy meals to light dishes, it is an ideal cafe to sit, relax, and satisfy your cravings. Unlike many late-night cafes in London, Balans is perfect for staying; no one will rush you out.
What to order here?
- Must try here eggs and avocado here.
- They offer the best desserts and cocktails.
- Coffee and beverage.
- Mac and cheese.
Address: 60 Old Compton St, W1D 4UG, London, UK.
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 9.00 am to 10.00 pm
Thursday to Sunday: 9.00 am to the next day 6.00 am
4. Bob Bob Ricard
The Bob Bob Ricard deserves the spot in the best late-night cafes in London, especially for those who want comfort, elegance, and indulgence after the sun goes down. This cafe is usually known as a cafe for grown-ups who love luxury.
What makes Bob Bob Ricard unique is its approach to late dining; their menu is rich, comforting, and indulgent what you want when hungry late night. They serve perfectly cooked meat and truffle-heavy dishes, to delicious desserts.
Many Local loves this place for late-night coffee, dessert, and relaxed conversation while the city is sleeping.
What to order:
- Truffle mashed potatoes.
- Must try the chocolate fondant here.
- Also, try dessert wine and coffee.
- Chicken Kyiv.
Address: 1 Upper James St, W1F 9DF, London, UK
Opening hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 5.00 pm to 12.00 am
Wednesday to Sunday: 12.00 pm to 12.00 am
5. Polo bar
Polo bar serves the best British dishes near Liverpool Street, and the cafe is popular for serving late-night meals and early morning English breakfasts.
One of the best late-night cafes in London serves classic food, big breakfasts, toasted sandwiches, cakes, and coffee.
You can have the best food to satisfy your taste buds with classic cafe fare and pancakes with a topping of strawberries and cream.
The place feels lively and safe even at late hours, and you can catch a late train or finish night shifts; the area is always open and reliable.
What to order here?
- Fresh pancakes with toppings,
- Milkshakes and coffee.
- Breakfast platters.
- Sandwiches.
Address: 176, Bishopsgate, EC2M 4NQ, London, UK
Opening hours: Open 24*7
6. Notes coffee roster
Notes Coffee Roasters offers a peaceful alternative for those who want peace along with their coffee. The cafe is a hybrid coffee shop and bar with various locations across London. They also serve lots of treats with gluten-free as well as vegan options for those who have dietary requirements.
The place is perfect for late-night moments and enjoying the best coffee. If you want to read your favourite book in a peaceful space, journaling, or simply sitting with your thoughts late at night, Notes stands out as the best late-night cafe in London for its enchanting and peaceful atmosphere.
What to order here?
- Must try pastries here.
- Coffee and milkshake.
- Light snacks.
- Flat white.
Address: 31 St. Martin’s LaneLondon, UK.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 8.00 am to the next day 5.00 am
Conclusion
If you are feeling hungry at midnight, or you are awakened at 3 am and craving for something, or simply need a warm drink after the sun goes down, these late-night cafes in London prove that the city never sleeps and serve you even at off hours.
From iconic coffee cafes to 24-hour dining to stylish late-night hangouts, London’s cafe scene serves every craving and mood. The next time hunger hits you late, explore one of these unforgettable late-night cafes in London.
