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Midnight Munchies: The Best 24 Hour Restaurants In London

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Nighthawks, Edward Hopper

Kebabs on a Friday night in the middle of winter, those days seem a dreaded and distant memory. I was never one for clubbing or a girlie night-out. Mainly because I had the alcohol tolerance of a Nun. But also found lingering in memorial parks past ten (in last nights outfit) slightly trampy. Meh. And although I’m definitely not attempting to relive my youth with late nights and Pro Plus, I’d take dinning past twelve over puking on the pavements of SoHo any day.

On my Christmas visit to NYC and then to Atlanta, it became apparent to me how hard it is to find restaurants in London that are open 24 hours a day. I mean there’s Bagel Bite (West Londoners) or Bagel King (South Londoners), and your local chicken shop.

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{Photo: Devina Wells]

But I’m talking about the whole rig-moral of eating out. In terms of sitting down to dine, with elegant surroundings and quality food, in comparison to our American cousins, we are slacking.

Good quality munch is readily available during daylight hours, but past 1am is when it all gets a bit complicated so I am told. Restaurant owners are required to have different types of licences, night/evening staff and varying menus. This could be costly to those who can’t guarantee financial gain for being open 24 hours a day.

A few more are popping up here and there, but in all honesty the chances of finding a 24/7 Tesco is far more likely. Still, there are the odd few places that I visit when I feel like breakfast, views and the sunrise.

In no particular order, these are my favs.

1) Duck and Waffle:

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[Photo: Instagram/duckandwaffle]

“…British and European inspired breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner and late-night offerings complemented by an ever-changing artisanal cocktail list…”

Located in the Heron Tower, 40 floors up, they have managed to mesh ambiance, quality food and views quite nicely.

The Good: It’s not just the great food it’s the experience, stunning views of London, 24 hour restaurant, with a really cool glass elevator.

The Bad: I wasn’t a huge fan of their cocktails. But remember, my alcohol tolerance is nun like.

2) Balans SoHo:

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[Photo: Instagram/balanssohosociet]

“…We are Balans Soho Society and we live by the philosophy that too much of a good thing is a good thing, the best plan is no plan and that the pursuit of pleasure is a noble one…”

A nostalgic choice, rather than ‘omg it’s spectacular.’ Nights out when I was in my early twenties and working in Oxford Circus, ended with a Balans breakfast!

The Good: Right in the centre of SoHo, it’s central enough to reach from whatever direction you are coming from. Their Eggs Benedict is on point.

The Bad: The wait. After a certain time it can be hectic, with annoying wait times. But they have recently refurbished the joint, maybe there’s more space to chill at the bar?

3) VQ Chelsea:

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[Photo: Instagram/vqrestaurants]

“…VQ - London’s unique 24 hour eating and drinking concept…is a unique and buzzing concept leading the way in 24 hour eating and drinking. An eclectic, high quality, consistent and value for money…”

I’m a fan of options. Whether it’s burgers, breakfast or salad VQ has it on the menu. Plus it’s in Chelsea…who doesn’t like Chelsea?

The Good: Comfort food in plush settings, really good quality food and not harmful to your purse strings.

The Bad: I have known a few people to moan about their staffs attitude towards customers. But I haven’t had first hand experience. Pinch of Salt anyone?

Let me know if there are any other 24 hour restaurants worth mentioning and I’ll be sure to add them to my list!

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