Late-night bars and clubs on the Overground

Let’s start our imagined trip on the sesh express in Dalston. Just look at the choices, right by the station: well cool basement Visions, LGBT+ playpen Dalston Superstore, highend audiophile bar Brilliant Corners and leftfield hub Cafe Oto, to name but a few. On top of those, Ray’s Bar boasts some cracking cocktails and Ridley Road Market Bar is a great spot for a cheeky dance. If you’re looking to chuck some polygons, sweat it out in The Nest or head to the Arcola Theatre on one of its occasional (but ace) dance music nights.

Sure, it may sound like a spooky town from a ‘Goosebumps’ book: but there’s loads to do in Haggerston in the witching hour. The Fox has a wide selection of swanky ales, while Archspace is an under-the-radar hotspot run by the Soundcrash team.

A few minutes from the station is Bad Sports Bar which serves up some wacky bevs (‘Buckfast…in a negroni?!’). Also close by is Super Lyan, located in a brick-walled dive that oozes charm – and dispenses charming booze too. Hoxton is also just a 15-minute stumble from two of the capital’s best clubs: Oval Space and its smaller sister venue The Pickle Factory.

Super-cool cats will tell you that Shoreditch isn’t where it’s at any more. But let’s be real: there’s still a crazy amount of stuff to do in the wee small hours. XOYO, for example, is a titan of the London clubbing scene which brings the best DJs in the world to the neighbourhood every weekend. The Queen of Hoxton has some stellar house and disco nights, while newly opened hotel The Curtain boasts some swish spaces for partying. Oh, and obviously get yourself a bagel from one of the two 24 -hour shops on your way back (the eternal debate is not to be settled here).

Compared with ten years ago, Whitechapel has taken a bit of a tumble in the nightlife stakes. But fear not: Apples & Pears has some delectable drinks on offer, while a few minutes away is the excellent Discount Suit Company. Speakeasy vibes, pro bar staff and a 1am closing make it a late-night delight.

We’re not going to pretend that Shadders is a huge destination for big nights out, but: we do ADORE historic boozer the George Tavern. Mainly for hanging in there for so long, but also for its raucous weekend parties.

For serious night owls, one to watch out for is E1, a new club opening on the site of what was previously known as Studio Spaces. Though we haven’t seen the space yet, they seem like they mean business: E1’s 27-hour launch event on NYE and NYD boasts world-class DJs like Ame, Mano Le Tough, Blawan and Avalon Emerson. So fingers crossed it’s a gem.

The jewel in the Canada Water crown is Printworks – a 6,000 capacity warehouse space showcasing the best in beats. Just try to forget that you’re raving in the shell of the old Daily Mail printing plant .

To be honest, Surrey Quays is not the most riveting place to be after dark. Sorry.

It’s the final stop. the Royal Albert is a local staple for munch and craft beer, while The Fat Walrus is a gem with hearty (or heart attack) American food. Oh, and for a really trippy ending to your night, you can pretend that you’re on a plane at the LP Bar, kitted out with air hostess outfits and jet interior. Time for a glass/gallon of water, methinks!