Beigel Bake, 159 Brick Lane, stays open 24/7 since the 1970s and honestly saved my life during many late nights. Salt beef bagels £7.50 at 3am hit completely different than anything else — Weekend 2am queues mix drunk theatre crowds with shift workers and taxi drivers who all know quality when they taste it.

Tinseltown, 44-46 Borough High Street, serves proper American diner food until 3am weekends. Massive portions, decent prices around £8-12 for burgers and fries. For late-night groceries, most Tesco Express locations close midnight but Tottenham Court Road branch (opposite Goodge Street tube) runs 24 hours — Lifesaver for snacks and basics.

Transport after midnight: N15 and N205 night buses cover major tourist routes every 15-20 minutes. Fabric nightclub (77A Charterhouse Street, Farringdon) goes until 7am Saturdays if electronic music appeals, but budget £25 entry plus £8-12 drinks — Expensive but legendary sound system.

South Bank walkway from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge stays well-lit and surprisingly safe for night walks. Zero crowds at 2am reveal the city's quiet beauty differently than daytime chaos.