SOHO RESTAURANTS

Play Chicken


Hixter Bankside


What Mark Hix opened his latest outpost on the South Bank last month, keeping the rotisserie spinning into the small hours. The refurbished Victorian metalworks factory is done up in the same mould as his popular Tramshed in Shoreditch, boasting not only a clucking good menu (roast barn-reared Indian Rock chicken, £25), but also contemporary art by his YBA pals Tracey Emin and Tim Noble. Cocktails from £8.50


Best after Front-row seats at A Streetcar Named Desire at the Young Vic


Last orders 12am





A little old place where...


The Love Shake


What The ideal choice for a late-night get-together, The Love Shake serves up delicious diner grub until the supplies run dry or the doors shut at 2.30am. Save your jukebox money for alcoholic shakes (the Oreeto, with Amaretto and Oreo cookie, £7.50) or hot dogs (Cheese Melt, £4, left), then enjoy hipster-spotting from a seat outside (like Where’s Wally, only everyone is wearing round frames and stripey tops). There’s also a bi-monthly Saturday party that keeps rolling till 4.30am


Best after A midnight screening at the Rio


Last orders 2.30am





Dress to impress


Bob Bob Ricard


What All dolled up at midnight and nowhere to go? For the last gentleman (or lady) standing on Piccadilly, Bob Bob Ricard offers caviar (12g for £25), cocktails and capers with its English/Russian menu (Beef Wellington for two, £39.75, left) until 12.15am on Fridays and Saturdays. Inside you’ll find cosy booths, a ‘press for champagne’ button on each table and a glitzy new downstairs space (above) if you’re planning a late-night assignation. Warning: there’s a dress code, so leave the high-tops at home


Best after A hazy evening in the Cognac and Cigar Garden at Dukes


Last orders 12.15am