Top 5 Late-Night Joints On The 24-hour Tube Lines

Late-night adventurers – it’s time to go exploring!

By Steph Dye (follow Steph on Twitter: @HelloIAmSteph)

Recently, it feels like us Londoners have been talking about nothing else: all sorts of people, from politicians to your next door neighbour have weighed in with their opinions on the Night Tube since it was announced two years ago. Yet finally, against all odds, it has arrived. Not as completely as we might have hoped but here none the less. Here at Broke in London, we think is important to use the new 24-hour services to their full potential, so we have put together a list of great, late-night joints that stay open past curfew. Forget clubbing: all the venues mentioned here are (just slightly!) more chilled out, eating, drinking and relaxing spots.

Now open on the Central, Victoria, Northern, Jubilee Piccadilly lines, (don’t forget to look back when more tube lines are opened up as we will be updating the list) we have put together a list of the top five late-night venues to visit on each route. We have purposefully chosen places that are a five to ten minute walk of a station, as we don’t want to be wandering about too much, late at night. Whilst all of the places can be described as cheap, some are more expensive than others: check the ‘£’ for more details. All venues are given a rating depending on either the cost of a meal or three drinks, plus the cost of entry (if there is a fee). £ = a bargain, about a tenner | ££ = a spend of somewhere between £10 and £20 | £££ = your late-night revelling is likely to cost you a bit more, at over £20.

Central Line

#1 Ronnie Scott’s Late Late Show | Tottenham Court Road | £££

What is it?: The Late Late Show at Ronnie Scott’s is a great way to relax on a Friday or Saturday night, plus another way to continue drinking without having to resort to clubbing. Every show sees a different act perform so go online and check the website for something perfectly suited to your tastes. (Plus, if you book online and in advance you get £2 off the ticket price.) Beware however, this is not a place for cheap drinks: wine starts at £6.25 (175ml) and spirits begin at £7.

How much is it? £12 on the door; £6 for students carrying their NUS or student union card; free for members or those who have tickets to the main show.

When is it?: Friday and Saturday night, 1am-3am.

Where is it?: 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT.

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 #2 Balans Soho Society | Oxford Street | ££

What is it?: A quirky, late-night eating and drinking den that gives more than a subtle nod to the traditional watering-holes of Soho. Serving food all the way through from sun-up to…well.. sun-up again. Balans Soho Society isn’t quite 24 hour – but it might as well be. Check the website for details of the menus and drink offerings.

How much is it?: The menu averages out at about the £11 mark, with items ranging from about £6.50 to a huge £28 and covers everything from breakfast items, steaks, curries, sandwiches and sweet things.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, Balans is open from 7.30am-6am the following morning.

Where is it?: 60-62 Old Compton Street, W1D 4UG.

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#3 Ranoush Juice | Marble Arch | £

What is it?: Far from your  usual, late-night, greasy kebab, this fast-food style Lebanese restaurant, serves up dishes both sweet and savoury. Whilst it might not look like much on the inside, there are lots of ways to customise your food, whether it be wrapped up or served plain, with hummus and pickles and the meat is always cooked to perfection.

How much is it?: The grilled meat wraps start at just £4.75, with including everything from fried chicken livers, to falafel to slices of halloumi.

When is it?: It is open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, with the last sitting at 2.30am.

Where is it?: 43 Edgeware Road, W2 2JE.

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#4 Troy 22 | Tottenham Court Road | ££

What is it?: It’s about what you know, not who you know at this secret, Tottenham Court Road address which hides up a tiny sat of stairs and behind a door. There’s no telephone number, website or email address but your perseverance will be paid for in cheap drinks, free entry, fun music and late opening times.

How much is it?: That would be telling. Troy 22 is all about secrets, however we can let slip that you will be pleasantly surprised when comparing to other London bars.

When is it?: Open til 2am on a Friday and Saturday.

Where is it?: 22 Hanway Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1QU.

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#5 The Discount Suit Company | Liverpool Street | ££

What is it?: Coining its name from the store that used to reside at this address, The Discount Suit Company is a relaxed, upstairs bar, located in the original storeroom of the aforementioned shop. The cocktail bar specialises in both the classics and unusual new blends, as well as sharers, wine and beer. There is also a small menu of bar snacks.

How much is it?: Cocktails start at £8, which is decent, considering it’s city location, whilst wines (175ml) and beers start at just £4.50.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar is open until 1am.

Where is it?: 29a Wentworth Street, E1 7TB.

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Victoria Line

#1 Meat Liquor W1 | Oxford Circus | £

What is it?: Like a dark, neon-lit night club, devoted to the music of deep-South cooking, this late night food joint is perfect place to indulge in a satisfying late-night snack. Menu options, (which are reduced to a ‘late’ menu an hour before closing) are spread between burgers, chicken and a whole host of deliciously messy sides.

How much is it?: Burgers, whilst not being the cheapest, are reasonably priced, considering their quality and pimped-up-ness. They range from £8-£9. Sides cost between £3.25 and £5.50.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, Meat Liquor is open until 2am.

Where is it?: 74 Welbeck Street, W1G 0BA.

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#2 The Bedford Tavern | Finsbury Park | £

What is it?: With a mismatched crowd of students and local residents, this low-lit, late-night tavern is a haven for revellers. The menu consists of guest craft beers both on tap and bottled that are rotated weekly, as well as thoughtful yet small list of wines.

How much is it?: Wines and beers are very reasonable, especially when the price tag that normally accompanies ‘craft’ labels is generally close to extoritionate. Small glasses of wine cost £3.50, as do the beers.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the Bedford Tavern is open until 2am.

Where is it?: 160 Seven Sisters Road, N7 7PT.

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#3 Big Chill House | King’s Cross St Pancras | ££

What is it?: A massive, multi-leveled bar that, despite it’s large size, still manages to fill up on Friday and Saturday nights. If it wasn’t loud enough, it also has a DJ to keep things bouncing in North London. It may be a no-frills approach to going out, but it certainly does the job.

How much is it?: With your standard array of wines, beers and classic cocktails, there are no surprises here, however the prices are reasonable. Single-shot spirit and mixers start at £3.75, wine starts at £4.75 and beers begin at £4.10.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the Big Chill House is open until 3am. However, unlike the rest of the time, the venue becomes over 21 on these days and ID is required.

Where is it?: 257-259 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, N1 9NL.

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#4 The Dead Dolls House | Highbury and Islington | ££

What is it?: Set over three floors, the Dead Dolls House resembles – you guessed it – a dolls house. Whilst not being the cheapest of the options on our list, it certainly isn’t hugely expensive either. They also do a killer brunch menu at the weekends, and, if you are prepared to wait it out to the early hours, lots of drinks deals at the beginning of the evening to get you started off!

How much is it?: Cocktails generally cost between £9-£11. Wines start at £5.50 for a glass and beers are probably the only things that are over-priced, starting at £4.60 for a Sol.

When is it?: Open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, you can expect a mix of live music and resident DJs to keep up the party atmosphere.

Where is it?: 181 Upper Streer, N1 1RQ.

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#5 Three Eight Four | Brixton | ££

What is it?: In stark contrast to Brixton’s generally raucous Friday and Saturday nights, Three Eight Four is a relatively relaxed venue for sipping a cocktail or two. It is open until late (according to the website, it’s open late every night of the week, however you will have to brave the bus if you stay out on a weekday!) The bar also serves a variety of small plates, in case you get peckish. It is also recommended that you book if you are aiming for a visit on the weekend, however, as the small venue tends to get very busy.

How much is it?: Cocktails start at £6 for a strawberry and basil smash. Wine costs around £4.25 for a small glass and beers begin at £4. Food starts at £2.75 for snacks such as olives and goes up to about £12 for sharing boards.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar is open til ‘late’ (or 2am if you want to be more precise!)

Where is it?: 384 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF.

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Jubilee Line

#1 | Brondes Age | Kilburn | £

What is it?: Open from morning til night, this funky bar in Kilburn is the ideal all-in-one spot for grabbing a bite to eat, having a few drinks and dancing the night away. The food menu is nothing fancy, centered mainly around pizzas, sandwiches and chips but it is tasty nonetheless and a great, carb-y way to line your stomach before a drink. In the evenings, tables are cleared away and DJs get on the decks and play an eclectic mix of pop and house music, perfect for enjoying with friends.

How much is it?: Entry is free all night. Alcoholic drinks are very reasonable, cocktails start at £6.50, pints are £3.50 and wine starts at £3.90 for a small glass. Don’t forget your student ID, as this will get you a 10% discount. There is also a brilliant happy hour, which offers 2 cocktails for £10, from 5pm-11pm everyday.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the bar is open from 11am-2am.

Where is it?: 328 Kilburn High Road, NW6 2QN.

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#2 | The Volunteer | Baker Street | ££

What is it?: This light, open-plan pub sits just off from Regent’s Park and is therefore perfect for a pint or two after a day out in central London. Though not open particularly late – 12am on the weekends – the opening of the night tube means no rushing off before the last orders bell. The food offering at The Volunteer is standard pub grub but tasty nonetheless.

How much is it?: At first glance, the food can seem a little expensive, we are in central London after all. However, if you don’t mind a more casual dinner or lunch, the sandwiches (which are served with fries) and breakfast items are particularly reasonable, beginning at £7.

When is it?:  At the weekend, The Volunteer is open from 10am-12am.

Where is it?: 245-247 Baker Street, NW1 6XE.

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#3 | Brooklyn Bowl | North Greenwich | £££

What is it?: If you fancy something a little different to your usual, late-night drinking den, why not head down to one of the largest live music venues in London – the O2 – which is home to the Brooklyn Bowl, a 12 lane bowling alley, live music venue and all-round good time. Eat, drink and be merry all in one place without spending vast amounts of money!

How much is it?: Bowling costs £15.95 per lane, per half an hour, plus £1.95 each for shoe rental. This may sound like a lot however you can have up to eight people on a lane, so the more people you bring, the cheaper it gets! Food and drink is fairly reasonable, with main courses starting at £7, wine for £4.90 per glass and craft beers from £5.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays the venue is open from midday until 2am.

Where is it?: The O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX.

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#4 | Cecil’s Bar | London Bridge |££

What is it?: Reminiscent of a speakeasy, tucked out of the way in the basement of a Victorian warehouse, Cecil’s Bar feels a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of London Bridge that  goes on all around it. With hints of both early twentieth century glamour and oriental mystique, the cocktail list is as elegant and witty as the clientele it attracts: yet is nowhere near as expensive!

How much is it?: Whilst on Saturdays, you have to book tickets, Friday nights are just £3 on entry at the door. Cocktails start at just £6, beer at £4 and wine for £5 per medium sized glass.

When is it?: Fridays, 5.30pm-1am; Saturdays, 7pm-1am.

Where is it?: The Basement, 8 Holyrood Street, SE1 2EL.

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#5 | Masti | Wembley Park | ££

What is it?: From day to night, this restaurant is transformed from a formal, Indian restaurant into a dancing hot spot. The restaurant, which is set over 2 levels and a whopping 6,000 sq/ft, with two bars and a dance floor is another perfect, all-in-one venue for a meal out and the opportunity to dance the night away. On Fridays and Saturdays, Masti offers a dinner and dance menu, which consists of three courses of buffet-style food, with an hour in between each course for dancing!

How much is it?: The set meal, with a few drinks will set you back between £15-£25. Not bad for an entire night of entertainment!

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the evening begins at 7.30pm and can go on until 2am in the morning!

Where is it?: 576-582 High Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 2AA.

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Northern Line (Charing Cross branch)

#1 | Guerilla | Tooting Broadway | £

What is it?: A communist themed pizza joint in Tooting, with amusingly titled food and drink, such as the Comrade Corbyn and Leninade! They hail their pizzas as the best from this side of the Berlin wall (though you should probably check that out for yourself). They also host a lots of parties at the weekend, so you can dance off all of that pizza until late.

How much is it?: Pizza is just £3.80 a slice, or if you are sharing… get a whopping 20″ pizza for £20. Pints of beer are £4, glasses of wine start at £4.80 and cocktails begin at £6. There is also a happy hour every day between 6pm and 8pm.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, Guerilla is open from 12pm-2am.

Where is it?: 85-87 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SU.

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#2 | Brixton Jamm | Stockwell | £££

What is it?: This converted inn is one of South London’s most popular clubbing spots, with parties by well-known and international club DJs that often go on til as late 5am. The mix of music is often varied from indie to R’n’B to drum and bass.

How much is it?: The drinks offering is no-frills, yet this is good as it tends to make things cheaper! Pints start at £3.50, jaeger shots cost £4 and a spirit and mixer begins at £3.90.The most expensive thing about nights at the Brixton Jamm is the entry however, which starts at £5 and goes always up to £25, so choose carefully…

When is it?: Nights normally finish at between 4am and 6am. Check the website for specific details.

Where is it?: 261 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6LH.

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#3 | Cubana | Waterloo | ££

What is it?: An exciting and lively venue, just south of Waterloo station, this bar and restaurant is easily picked out by the bright murals on the exterior. At 11pm, the food service finnishes and the music starts up, playing latin and salsa beats until the early hours.

How much is it?: There are many good value offerings at Cubana. The pre-theatre menu begins at just £11 for two courses. Cocktails begin at just £5 for a large and jugs begin at £12.

When is it?: On the weekend, Fridays, 12pm-3am; Saturdays, 1pm-3am.

Where is it?: 48 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG.

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#4 | The Sheephaven Bay | Mornington Crescent | £

What is it?: A traditional Irish pub at the Mornington Crescent end of Camden High Street  which is full of charm and covered in sports memorabilia. It’s a great place to start a night off in Camden, with lots of great drinks deals and offers. It’s not open hugely late, late enough to miss the normal running of the tube service.

How much is it?: Food begins at just £4.75 for a main meal. A bottle of wine begins at £9.95, five bottles of beer for £9.95 or three premium bottles of beer for £9.75.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, Sheephaven Bay is open from 11am-late.

Where is it?: 2 Mornington Street, Camden Town NW1 7QD.

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#5 | The King William IV | Hampstead | ££

What is it?: Part of the local community for over the last 200 years, the King William IV is also one of the oldest gay pubs in London. On Fridays and Saturdays, there’s a late bar and the weekend is always hugely busy. For walkers on the heath, the pub is also a dog-friendly.

How much is it?: Cocktails start at £7 and wine begins at £3.60. Food begins at £5.95 for a main meal.

When is it?: On Fridays and Saturdays, the pub is open from 11am until late.

Where is it?: 77 Hampstead High St, London NW3 1RE.

More of a morning person? How about these great, budget breakfast spots?

Or perhaps you need something for the lunchtime after the night before?

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Piccadilly Line

#1 | Vingt-Quatre | Earl’s Court | ££

What is it?: A little bit of a walk from Earl’s Court station but definitely worth it, this restaurant does an all-day (and all-night) dining option which isn’t just for attracting those kicked out of the local night clubs and bars. Eat everything from breakfast, burgers, steak and drink a variety of soft and alcoholic drinks. Remember though, alcohol will only be served with a meal, so don;t head there for drinks!

How much is it?: Food costs between £4.50 and £12.50 and drinks start at around £2.50, so you can expect to spend about £15.

When is it?: The restaurant has a 24 hour license.

Where is it?: 325 Fulham Road, London SW10 9QL.

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#2 | Rumba | Piccadilly Circus | ££

What is it?: A student friendly bar and nightclub that offers lots of opportunity to dress up, drink, dance and sing. The music is generally pretty mainstream but it’s right in the centre of the West-end and still offers and affordable night out.

How much is it?: Beers start at £4.50, wine begins at £5.50 and the cocktails all cost £8.50. Each night also has it’s own drinks offers and entry prices so check the website.

When is it?: The nights normally run between 9/10pm until 3am most nights of the week.

Where is it?: 36 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EP.

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#3 | Salvador and Amanda | Holborn | ££

What is it?: An authentic Spanish restaurant in the centre of the city with a casual tapas bar and cocktails on the bottom floor or more formal dining upstairs. There is also live music and DJs at the end of the week and plenty of happy hour deals to keep you occupied.

How much is it?: Tapas dishes range between £3 and £13.50 (though the more expensive ones are sharing before you balk at the price!) Cocktails are between £8-£9 and there is also a set menu that costs £19.50 per person.

When is it?: Monday, 12pm-1am; Tuesday-Thursday, 12pm-2am; Friday-Saturday, 12pm-3am.

Where is it?: 1 Vernon Pl, London WC1A 2EP.

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#4 | Simmons Bar | King’s Cross | ££

What is it?:  A quirky, late night cocktail bar that serves up all of the classics, as well as some not-so-classic, yet still tasty specialities. There are locations all over London, yet they all have a distinctively cosy, intimate vibe, with lots of unusual design features such as skull disco balls and retro gaming platforms.

How much is it?: Simmons do have a happy hour Sunday-Friday from 3pm-8pm, with super cheap drink prices, including 2 cocktails or a bottle of wine for £10, cocktail teapots for £15 or bottles of beer, glasses of wine or a spirit and mixer for £2.50. Cocktails are also 2 for £10 all day on a Saturday.

When is it?: Sunday-Wednesday, 4pm-12am; Thursday-Saturday, 4pm-3am.

Where is it?: 32 Caledonian Rd, Islington, London N1 9DT.

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#5 | Rowans Tenpin Bowl | Finsbury Park | £££

What is it?: A no frills, traditional bowling alley that is open until late, so you can drink, dance and bowl until the early hours. There’s also a karaoke machine to enjoy if you run out of things to do…(we guarantee you won’t!).

How much is it?: The entry fee to get into Rowan’s is between free and £3, depending on the day and time. Bowling cost about £4.40-£5.80. Drinks are also cheap: a glass of wine is £4.50 whilst beer comes in both pints and pitchers.

When is it?: Sunday-Thursday, 10:30am-12:30am; Friday-Saturday, 10:30am-2:30am.

Where is it?: Rowans Leisure, 10 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, London N4 2DF.

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The London Night Tube