London's best late night bars

The clocks are going back so that’s an extra hour of sleep... or an extra hour on the town. Whether it’s a sophisticated nightcap, a gin-fuelled boogie or somewhere dark to forget your troubles, these five should have you sorted.

The problem of where to finish the night near Waterloo has been solved by Mark Hix’s new spot, which opens to the public after the evening show each night. A gorgeous and classy space.

Info: Open until 2am, oldvictheatre.com

Hate being turfed out of a cosy pub at half 11? In Crystal Palace they’ll let you stay a little longer, lounging on the Chesterfield sofas until you’ve sampled the whole ale selection.

Info: Open until 2am

Have a dignified dinner in Islington in the top-floor ballroom and then make your way back down to the ground-floor parlour for a little more debauchery.

Info: Open until 4am, deaddollsclub.com

There are those that might claim the last thing anyone needs is an extra hour in Hackney’s The Dolphin. Come to have intense dance-parties with total strangers and then drink the stickiest drinks with the worst hangover potential.

Info: Open until 4.30am, thedolphinhackney.co.uk

You need to be in there by 10.30pm if you’re not a member but once you’re in the Caribbean party just keeps going. Have a rum (or two — they have more than 100 to choose from).

Info: Open until 2am, therumkictchen.com

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