Are you a late-night owl who feels comfortable studying or working at dark hours? While working hard at the wee hours, ever craved for relaxation with a cup of caffeinated drinks?
Then, the first thing that came to your mind at that time must be searching for the best late-night cafes in London and spending some time in any one of them. And, why not?
The strong caffeinated drinks, such as a cup of espresso coffee from such cafes, will help you stay awake for a long time without giving you any sense of boredom.
But, once you have started searching for them, the multitude of late-night cafes, London has made you puzzled, right? You must have failed to decide which are the best ones among them.
To help you in your endeavour, we have done the part of your work and, based on certain criteria, have chosen the best late-night coffee houses in the city that are worth your visit.
Wanna know their details? Here they are…
Contents
Late Night Cafes in the City – Our Selection Criteria
- If the cafe remains open at midnight or beyond.
- The food and drinks served in the cafe (whether they have a variety or not).
- The ambience of the cafe.
- The quality of the food items.
- The decor of the cafe.
- Does the cafe provide adequate space for relaxation, or not?
- The customer reviews and ratings of the cafe.
Best Late Night Cafes in London – Our 8 Picks
1. Hackney Coffee Company
Looking for late-night cafes in the city that will serve as a historic event venue with a bar attached to it? Then, the modern elegance of Hackney Coffee Company, the heritage cafe, is calling you! The freshly brewed coffee they serve is awesome.
The venue with stylish interiors of this cafe can also be used for various corporate events, brand activations, etc. The studio-style space of this venue also makes the place fit for editorial shoots.
It also has an outdoor patio. As a one-stop solution for late-night coffee and cocktail drinkers, this cafe has attracted the attention of various famous personalities.
Location: Hackney Road in London.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- Signature coffee.
- Craft cocktails.
- Fine wines.
- Curated beers, etc.
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Website Link: www.thehackney.co
2. Balans, Soho
Wanna enjoy the lovely atmosphere of late-night cafes, London up to 5 am as a lovey-dovey couple? Balans, situated at Soh, may be the place you must visit then.
Book a table of your choice to enjoy good food along with late-night romance. The relaxing aura of this cafe, along with its special options for brunches, has made this restaurant quite popular in the area.
Have a late-night movie date with your partner? No issue! Have your dinner here after the movie ends or before it.
The amazing cocktails of this eatery and the modern British menu inspired by the cuisines of various countries in the world will make your night more memorable.
Location: Old Compton Street in London.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- American pancake.
- Fried chicken pancake.
- Lobster Benedict.
- Eggs in hell.
- Quinta do Crasto 2018 Vintage Port.
Google Rating: 4.3/5
Website Link: www.balans.co.uk
3. Bar Italia
Wanna know about another famous Cafe Espresso cum bar in Soho that is praised by tourists and locals for its historic charm?
Bar Italia, it is! One of the late-night cafes with a bustling atmosphere, this coffee shop has been awarded many trophies, like:
- London Coffee Shop of the Year Lifestyle Awards 2011 (Runner-up)
- Best Coffee Shop 2005.
- Cafelife Awards 2014 (Winner), etc.
Many celebrities have also visited this cafe, and you will find their photos on the website’s gallery.
The Bar Italia song of this cafe is famous all over London. The cafe has also organised certain events, like football, for the customers’ entertainment and developed many clubs.
One of them is the Scooter club. The dishes at this cafe are exceptionally good, as reviewed by the customers.
Location: Soho in London
Special Items of this Cafe:
- Espresso coffee.
- Piccole Pasta
- Cicchetti plates
- Sicilian Marinated Olives, etc.
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Website Link: www.baritaliasoho.co.uk
4. Kipferl Restaurant and Patisserie
Now, how about discussing an Austrian restaurant situated in London? Yes. We are saying about Kipferln Restaurant cum Patisserie, one of the top-notch late night cafes, London.
Famous mainly for the gorgeous Austrian-style cakes and wines, this eatery is praised mainly for its authenticity, hospitality, and selling of handmade products that are made with love and care.
They also have gluten-free options for food. Once you visit this restaurant, you should try their gluten-free Poppyseed cake.
It will melt in your mouth and make you feel like heaven has landed on earth. Also, don’t miss their signature cakes, wines, and other menu items like:
- Sachertorte.
- Apple Strudel.
- Austrian white wines.
- Austrian red wines.
- Orange wines, and
- Sparkling wines.
Location: Camden Passage in London.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- The Frankfurter.
- The Vienna.
- Paprikahendl.
- Frittaten Supper.
- Tagessuppe.
- Smoked Salmon.
Google Rating: 4.4/5.
Website Link: www.kipferl.co.uk
5. Greenberry Cafe
Do you check the food hygiene rating of an eatery every time before choosing to eat food from it?
Having a late-night quench for coffee and snacks, and want to have them from late-night cafes in the town that maintain hygiene? Then, you can go for Greenberry Cafe cum restaurant with both eyes closed.
Wondering why? The UK Food Standards Agency has given a 5-star hygiene rating to this eatery.
Everything in this cafe, ranging from Mediterranean-inspired food items to A-grade customer service, a cosy environment, warm lighting, and sophisticated decor, would soothe your heart deeply.
The banana pancake item in this eatery is a big hit.
Location: Regent’s Park Road in London.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- Jumbo oat porridge.
- Greenberry Vegetarian.
- Waffle.
- Eggs Royale.
- Haas Avocado.
- Club Sandwich.
- Biscoff cheesecake.
Google Rating: 4.5/5.
Website Link: www.greenberrycafe.co.uk
6. By the Bridge Cafe
Are you a Muslim community person who is craving spicy halal chicken with strong coffee at night? Don’t know which late-night cafes, London serve authentic halal dishes?
Then, trust “By the Bridge Cafe” on Kingsland Road in London. You will find almost every kind of beverage and delicious dish here. Whether you love crispy chicken wings, sweet potato wedges, or tricolour nachos, this cafe will keep you covered.
Location: Kingsland Road in the UK.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- Salmon and cream cheese.
- Bacon and egg.
- Tuna & Mayo.
- Ham & cheese.
- Halloumi fries.
- Mac & cheese balls.
Google Rating: 4.4/5.
Website Link: www.bythebridge.cafe
7. Notes Coffee Roasters and Bar
Studying late at night for an exam and feeling like visiting the next-door coffee shop to enjoy some energy-boosting coffee and hot drinks?
Or, after giving your last exam, want to celebrate your pressure relief with a glass of craft beer or a signature Notes wine?
Then, skip the other late-night cafes and go straight to Notes for getting the seasonally-inspired thrill of good food and drinks.
Their freshly brewed coffee, with consciously selected coffee beans and seasonal dishes, tastes so luscious that you will never stop licking your fingers.
Location: Martin’s Lane in London.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- Ricotta-stuffed mushrooms.
- Loaded potato skins.
- Baked Camembert.
- Burrata & tapenade.
- Catalan almonds.
Google Rating: 4.1/5.
Website Link: www.notescoffee.com
8. Scootercaffe
Now, how about going Bohemian? Yes, that’s what the basement of this Waterloo cafe looks like.
Being an independent vintage coffee bar among all other late-night cafes, London, you will experience a different kind of atmosphere here. The cafe is LGBTQ+ friendly.
The eatery has been designed in such a way that it remains a cafe in the morning. At night, it turns into a bar. As the name suggests, this cafe has been inspired by the theme of scooters.
You will see Vespa-themed decor here. There are many models of scooters besides the espresso machines in the shop.
Location: Lower Marsh in London.
Special Items of this Cafe:
- Modelo Especial
- Spirits & Mixed
- Ham and cheese toasties.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Website Link: www.scooterworks-uk.com/coffee.html
FAQ
1. Where is the best late-night neighbourhood in London?
The best nightlife in London centres around the town, Soho. People spend their craziest nights in its late-night cafes and bars, singing and dancing with merriment.
Each of its bars and restaurants has a lot of choices for food and drinks. No matter whether you are a vegetarian or a non-veg person, a coffee fan or an alcoholic, the restaurants here will cover all types of food according to your needs.
Conclusion
So, which of the above late-night cafes in the city would you like to visit? Whichever it may be, don’t forget to check the operating hours before you visit and be mindful of its noise level.
Lastly, plan it instead of a last-minute rush to enjoy the atmosphere, food, and drinks of the cafe in a relaxing way.