The best restaurants and bars in London open 24 hours

Not only is Duck & Waffle open 24/7, it also boasts some of the best views in London through its floor-to-ceiling windows, making it quite the special spot. Perched on the 40th floor of one of London's tallest buildings, Duck & Waffle offers an upscale, international menu featuring signature dishes like braised duck leg and waffle, as well as Sunday roasts, afternoon tea, brunch, and more. It's a true all-rounder and all-dayer that's still considered one of the most memorable dining experiences in the city.

A stalwart of the London dining scene since 1959, Polo Bar offers a quintessential British café experience directly opposite Liverpool Street Station, no matter the time of day. Breakfast dishes, including full English breakfasts and pancakes, are served round the clock, with a dedicated night-time street-food menu available as well. The bar also has a 24/7 alcohol licence – worth remembering if you're after a nightcap before catching the early train home.

The VQ diners offer 24/7 dining, with the full menu available regardless of the hour. It includes everything from all-day breakfast staples and pasta to dedicated options for children, ensuring all ages are catered for around the clock. Additionally, guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages at any time when ordered alongside a meal. Impressively, the Chelsea original has been open nonstop for more than 30 years, barring the pandemic era.

Based at the Empire Casino in Leicester Square, Kings Sports Bar stays open all day and all night. It shows live sports throughout, which is why it's particularly popular with fans of overseas sports, from American leagues to esports and other popular pastimes. The 24-hour bar is sleek and modern, with 17 screens ensuring not a moment of the action is missed, and American-style food served until the early morning.

Firmly entrenched in London's nightlife lore, these two neighbouring bagel shops have a fierce rivalry that never lets up, in large part also because they're both open around the clock. The appeal of getting a fresh bagel stuffed with salt beef, salmon, cream cheese, or whichever wild topping combo your (likely inebriated) brain comes up with at any time of day means there's always a bit of a crowd here.