Night Tube: Your guide to the best 24-hour bars and restaurants

Finally after what feels like eternity, Transport for London is launching the night tube tonight (19 August) and London is rejoicing as it prepares for 24 hours of underground travel and never having to worry about falling asleep on the night bus and ending up in Chingford.

The underground lines that kick off the service tonight are the Victoria and Central line before the entire network open up all night in the autumn.

With no worries about getting home from Central London there is also the opportunity to take the weekend in your stride.

You can now wine and dine in a more relaxed European fashion with a late dinner that does not end up with you downing a G&T and shovelling chocolate cake into your mouth before running to the tube. We can relax now, enjoy the evening and be able to get home for less than £3, which even the cheapest Uber cannot beat.

To celebrate the new-found freedom of the London diner, IBTimes UK has listed the best late night bars and restaurants in the city that are within reach of the new night tube lines.

Duck and Waffle - 110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY

Boasts to be the highest all night restaurant, perfect for some twilight fine-dining with champagne cocktails and a rich brunch-style menu all night.

Open all night

Nearest night tube: Liverpool Street

Bar Italia - 22 Frith St, London W1D 4RF

Iconic post-club cafe that welcomes in the rabble of Soho. Great coffee and very popular with Italian football fans.

Open till 5am

Nearest night tube: Tottenham Court Road

Avery bar - 16 Little Portland Street, W1W 8BP

Cocktails aplenty in a cosy, alternative setting complete with fish tanks.

Open till 4am (Mon - Sat)

Nearest night tube: Oxford Circus

Sexy Fish - Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square W1J 6BR

Pricey but delicious seafood where most of the diners will probably have drivers but for those on the tube this is a great shout if you're looking for a luxurious night out that doesn't end too early.

Open till 2am – last restaurant order 11.30pm

Nearest night tube: Green Park

Ronnie Scotts - 47 Frith St, W1D 4HT

A Soho stalwart since 1959 that has played host to the likes of Miles Davis and Count Basie which is open late for a nightcap and some great music.

Open till 3am (Mon - Sat)

Nearest night tube: Tottenham Court Road

Balthazar - 389 Coldharbour Ln, SW9 8LQ

The glitzy American restaurant with a delicious French menu. Great for brunch or even better for a late night glass of wine.

Open till 2am. Last orders midnight

Nearest night tube: Holborn

Scala - 275 Pentonville Road, N1 9NL UK

Kings Cross's main music venue with a huge range of artistes and DJs performing here as well as regular club nights.

Open till 6am (Fri and Sat)

Nearest night tube: King's Cross

Beigal Bake - 159 Brick Ln, E1 6SB

A Brick Lane institution with the best salt beef bagels in London.

Open all night

Nearest night tube: Liverpool Street

Pizza East - Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JJ, UK

A classic Shoreditch haunt tucked away in the TEA building with freshly-baked pizzas and flowing drinks into the early hours on the weekend.

Open till 2am (Fri and Sat)

Nearest night tube: Liverpool Street

Meat Liquor - 74 Welbeck Street, W1G 0BA

Dimly-lit restaurant where you can wash down heavily laden burgers and crispy chicken with beer and metal music.

Open till 2am (Fri and Sat)

Nearest night tube: Bond Street

The Crobar - 17 Manette Street, W1D 4AS

Whisky and metal music basically sum up this bar. Friendly and not too pricey for an after-hours venue.

Open till 3am

Nearest night tube: Tottenham Court Road

Dogstar

A south London favourite name-checked by The Streets and full to the brim every weekend. Three levels to dance and drink to your heart's content as well as pool tables in the back.

Open till 4am (Fri and Sat)

Nearest night tube: Brixton