The Northern Line (Charing Cross branch only) becomes 24 hours from this weekend every Friday and Saturday nights. Photo: TFLHas the night tube transformed your weekends? We’re guessing probably not – yet. But that could change with the arrival of the nocturnal Northern Line this weekend (18th November).
Connecting all outer and central north London stations with the West End and south-of-the-river, now there’s no excuse not to hop about the wider area in the early hours armed with your Oyster Card.
Here are ten places to string together a lively bar crawl – all just a few stops from home.
GOODGE STREET: Simmons
It does that cocktail in a teacup thing. Photo: SimmonsSister to original venues in King’s Cross and Camden, this corner bar – all retro wallpaper, lampshades and vintage teacups – is still busy after midnight. Useful for a potent nightcap on your way home. Mon-Wed 4pm–12am, Thurs-Sat 4pm–1am, 28 Maple St W1
It used to be the equally ace (in its day) Positively 4th Street. Photo: PRThis stylish neighbourhood cocktail bar is worth a diversion for a midnight negroni or espresso martini, perhaps before you hop over to the Lexington or up to Aces & Eights. Mon-Wed, 5pm–12am, Thurs-Sat till 1am, 119 Hampstead Rd NW1
MORNINGTON CRESCENT: Winnicott
Nicer inside than out. Photo: WinnicottWhat could be more useful than a quick drink right by the tube? This new contemporary all-day bar dishes up everything from locally roasted coffee to craft ales and Mint Juleps. Plus vinyl nights at weekends, when it’s open till 1am, 1 Hurdwick Place NW1
CAMDEN TOWN: Her upstairs
Performer Meth at the launch of Her Upstairs. Photo: SENew drag, cabaret and queer bar in the building formerly known as Bloc Bar. Expect lippy performers, hapless audience members being hauled up onto stage, and lots of beer. Mon-Wed/Sun 5pm–12am, Thurs 1am, Fri + Sat till 2am, 18 Kentish Town Rd NW1
CHALK FARM: Joe’s Bar
A useful late-night bar whatever the day of the week. Photo: Joe’sJoe’s is the bar that’s open daily until 3am when all others are shut (especially useful during the week). Expect northern soul, rockabilly, ska and rock ‘n’ roll to a random mix of locals, barflies and the odd stray tourist. Mon-Sun, 5pm–3am 78-79 Chalk Farm Rd NW1
BELSIZE PARK: Steele’s
It used to be central to London’s bohemian boozing scene. It’s still worth a late-night stop. Photo: SEOnce the doyenne of the north London drinking scene, this gorgeous Victorian pub is less wild than of yore but is still one of the only options in NW3 to keep boozing till midnight. Know anywhere later? Let us know. Mon-Wed till 11pm, Thurs-Sun till 12am, 97 Haverstock Hill NW3
KENTISH TOWN: Ladies & Gents
Stylish: the bar at Ladies & Gents. Photo: L>his NW5 institution needs no introduction for locals, but perhaps you didn’t know it closes at 2am at weekends? Amidst the flicker of candlelight, peruse a daily changing list of libations. Tues-Thurs/Sun till 12am, Fri/Sat till 2am, 2 Highgate Rd NW5
TUFNELL PARK: Aces & Eights
Brilliantly reliable for night tubers: Aces & Eights. Photo: PRThis longstanding late night fave opened opposite the tube six years ago and is still as packed as ever. Go for the pizza, stay for DJs, whisky, and live bands. Plenty of dark corners too, Night Tubers. Mon–Thurs till 1am, Fri/Sat 2:30am, 156-158 Fortess Rd NW5
ARCHWAY: Hideaway
Magic tricks midway between Tufnell Park and Archway tubes. Photo: PRHead west from Archway tube and you’ll find this split-level contemporary bar serving pizza, beers and spirits, with live music and DJs in the basement. It’s fun, packed and unpretentious. Mon-Wed/Sun 12–11pm, Thurs till 1am, Fri/Sat till 2am, 114 Junction Rd N19
HIGHGATE: Boogaloo
Another north London institution. Photo: BoogalooIt’s been around forever hasn’t it? Happily situated just downhill from the tube, it’s rowdy till the early hours at weekends. There’s a meaty food menu and northern soul, motown and funk on the decks. Open Mon-Wed till 12am, Thurs till 1am and Fri-Sat 2am, 312 Archway Rd N6
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