London’s dining scene is ever-evolving; in a city spoiled for choice, as a restaurant or bar, you need to adapt to earn your place. Today, dining out is not just about sampling menus; it’s about the experience, and hence many are now steeped in the immersive and a little of the theatrical. It’s an evolution that makes perfect sense in a world all too digital. Flanelle looks at some of the dining and cultural standouts that speak to the night owls, the ones who like to venture out after dusk and sample the city’s low-lit, after-hours hot spots in search of community, luxury, and a celebration of our favourite pastimes, dining, dancing and coming together. From late-night tipples to cultural treasures after dark, welcome to London Lates.
Words by Leigh Maynard
Hausu
Peckham, South London, has had many reinventions over the years. The Victorian suburb became a dense working-class district with informal, community-led dining options. Its identity was shaped by diaspora cuisines. By the late 1990s, it had become a hub for creatives priced out of East London, with empty car parks, studios, and industrial spaces converted into bars, restaurants, and pop-ups. Today, though some may feel this evolution makes the area less accessible for its original community, we would say that this cross-cultural contrast only adds to the richness of this multi-layered neighbourhood. And hence, many are drawn to visit what has become one of London’s most talked-about destinations for cultural events and dining.
A favourite in Peckham’s vibrant dining roster is Hausu, launched in October 2024. Its philosophy is underpinned by food and music as a single experience, rather than dining with background sounds. Step just outside Peckham Rye station and you are there, so it’s a perfect pick for those who appreciate elevated dining and a simple journey.
Downstairs, the dining room and open kitchen counter serve up small plates blending Asian flavours with modern European techniques. From London butter noodles to fire-cooked fish, the menu doesn’t disappoint.
But it’s the moody new listening bar upstairs that caught our attention for a late-night experience. With its vinyl sound system as a centrepiece, it’s a high-fidelity drinking and music destination where albums line the deep-red, chocolate-toned walls, punctuated by huge paper lampshades and warm candlelight. Gently breaking up the space are the diaphanous curtains, which add a sense of seclusion as you take in the carefully curated sounds of Jazz and post-punk, spun live from 7-12pm every Friday and Saturday by a rotating programme of DJs. It’s an intimate space for sound seekers who appreciate exceptional cocktails, low-intervention wines, flavourful snacks and late-night gatherings.
Upstairs, there is a sense of clever experimentation. Think clarification and seasonal infusions. Each cocktail is classy in aesthetic and complex in flavour. We sampled the Fennel Negroni with gin, followed by the Buttered Rum Espresso Martini, mixed with salted butter and Kahlua. These two were opposites, both with personality; the sweet, salty Martini was like a hug in a glass, a delicious take on a classic, while the Fennel was fresh and light with a punch. The Blood orange sidecar with cognac, sherbet and lemon was bold and tangy, and the Mezcal Sesame Old Fashioned played on Hausu’s signature flavours with the sesame softly tempering the Mezcal. Perhaps our favourites, though, were the Vodka Plum and Yoghurt Sour, no heavy ingredients here, rather a blend of punch of fruity notes with a hint of skyr, it felt healthy yet indulgent and looked uber stylish, we gave it 10/10. The Coconut Daiquiri with cachaça, lime and cardamom was sweet, light and elegant, dropping into refreshing coconut notes; we can imagine it being a firm favourite. To complement the drinks, the brilliant addition of chef Holly Middleton-Joseph’s snacks from the Hausu Kitchen completed the experience. Think Oysters with Hausu tabasco and lime, Boquerones with lime leaf oil, or grilled scallops with XO sauce and crispy seaweed.
And with attentive service from Tom and the team, classy surrounds, and considered tunes, Hausu feels like part of Peckham’s new style, not just a place to eat; it’s a full-evening ecosystem. A place we’ll return to, often.
Details here:
11a Station Way, London SE15 4RX
TUE – FRI 18:00 – 22:00
SAT – 12:00 – 22:00
SUN – MON CLOSED
Bookings: hausulondon.co.uk
Close Ties
You’ll have to be quick to secure a spot in the next option. This coming Saturday brings the next instalment of our favourite multi-disciplinary pop-up collective, Close Ties. This time, the talented team takes over Newcomer Wines on Saturday, 2nd May. Having previously attended a Close Ties event, we highly recommend this dining-and-music experience. Sitting down at a table at Close Ties feels like a gathering of a community that appreciates incredible flavours, elevated dishes, thoughtful conversation and exceptional sounds. Brought to you by some renowned names, Close Ties is founded by Joshua Bratt (The Barbary) and Jake Norman (Trullo & Burro). For this edition, they have teamed up with chef Oscar Gogan (Carousel, The Clove Club, Tuome), who is over from Madrid for the night. Guests can sample modern Scottish-inspired dishes such as Tikka Masala Lobster Roll and Malt-Glazed Lamb Skewers with wild garlic chimichurri and herb salad, prepared on the BBQ in Newcomer’s secret garden, while Close-Ties DJs will play into the small hours, finishing at 2 am. And the cherry, so to speak, Newcomers Wines will be opening some special selections from their cellar.
Full details below:
Location: Newcomer Wine Bar, E8 3DF
Date: Saturday 2nd May
Time: 7pm–late
Tickets: Available here.
Logma
Our next selection takes us to East London, where the Iranian-Iraqi café-bistro Logma has a treat for those who like a midweek late one.
By day, Logma opens Thursday – Sunday. Try their delicious tahini buns with coffee from Origin, or the kofte and aubergine sandwiches, and daily specials such as fennel stew with saffron rice, served until they sell out.
Wednesdays are for Logma Lates, where you can sample the bistro culture of the Middle East. Founded by couple, Ziad Halub and Farsin Rabiee, this unhurried community-forward restaurant draws inspiration from the region’s modern bistros, places to gather, eat, drink tea, and debate. Dishes are rooted in traditional favourites, with sustainably sourced ingredients from regenerative farms.
Each Wednesday, Logma Lates welcomes 18 guests, who dine at the counter or around a communal candle-lit table. Begin your night with Sharbat, a fragrant, non-alcoholic drink made from fruit and herbs and start the feast with Sabzi Khordan, a platter of fresh herbs, nuts and olives. The menu changes each month with dishes like oysters with herb oil, gondhoraj lebu, Aleppo pepper and sumac; arak-cured trout with pickled mango, finished with Sholezard, a delicate Iranian saffron rice pudding. Logma Lates feels like coming home; you’ll likely meet the couple’s community of creatives and friends, and perhaps find yourself wanting to return and become a part of it.
More details here:
Address: 81 Goldsmiths Row, London, United Kingdom E2 8QR
Daytime: walk-in only, Thursday-Fri 8:30am-3:30 pm; Weekends 10am-4pm
Logma Lates: tickets, £65 per head, no corkage, 7-10pm, one sitting (Wednesdays)
Bookings here.
Samba Room
If you want to experience London Lates from a different perspective, take the elevator up to the 39th floor in Shoreditch to the lofty heights of SAMBAROOM with sweeping vertiginous views above the city. Perched at the top next to the SUSHI SAMBA complex, SAMBAROOM is the dedicated sister lounge for exceptional cocktails with views from 180 meters high.
Cocktails draw on SUSHISAMBA’s flavours, blending Brazilian, Japanese and Peruvian influences. Think tropical fruits, citrus and spice.
Every Friday from 10:30PM – 3:00AM, experience RIO AFTER DARK, where SAMBAROOM transforms into a celebration of Brazilian rhythms and Rio’s electric energy. Sip in time to nonstop sets from some of the city’s top DJs while dancers and percussionists add to the atmosphere. You’ll want to join the floor for this one.
Details below:
39th Floor, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
10:30PM – 3:00AM
Bookings here.
Chateau Denmark
Next, we head to Soho and one of London’s most renowned music locations, the iconic Denmark Street, once lined with music shops and the beat of illustrious creatives. Now, the street is home to Chateau Denmark.
Decedent and driven by musical tones, the chateau, a hotel and events space, feels like a private after-hours party in Soho, celebrating the street’s rock history from Bowie to the Sex Pistols. It’s luxury, baroque interiors are spread across 16 buildings along the famous street. It is luxurious yet unconventional, just as the famous artists would have liked it.
Recently, to mark the hotel’s fourth anniversary, Thirteen LDN – Chateau Denmark‘s Music-Led Japanese-inspired cocktail bar, hosted their 4th Birthday in collaboration with Wolfie’s Whisky, co-founded by legendary musician Sir Rod Stewart.
DJ Amazonica continues the late-night events, spinning the likes of The Libertines, Grandmaster Flash & MGK, followed by a live set from Spanish-American singer-songwriter Alexa Dark, who brings a hazy Californian rock vibe to Denmark Street, joined by a few special guests. Highlights include The Gothic Fire, blending Disaronno amaretto and Campari with passionfruit purée, and a silky foam for a bold, bittersweet serve with a tropical finish. With its enduring connection to music, Chateau Denmark’s events range from bold cabaret evenings and intimate live sets; there’s an option for all here, and its central location makes it an easy choice for music lovers.
Details below:
Chateau Denmark, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA
Bookings here.
The Grill at The Dorchester
Our final choice sees a legendary destination begin a new chapter as The Grill at The Dorchester enters a new era under acclaimed culinary director Martyn Nail. One of the city’s most respected chefs, he is joined by rising star head chef Jacob Keen-Downs (formerly of Gold, Notting Hill). Their combined skills bring a contemporary interpretation of a traditional grill, while the Dorchester’s historic and elegant surroundings add refinement. Striking chandeliers, Bentley leather banquettes, and the energy of the open kitchen are elevated by the attentive staff.
The modern menu includes shared small plates and classic dishes reimagined with a commitment to British produce and technical craft. Signatures include tuna tartare prepared tableside, the Grill seafood platter, and a perfectly executed beef Wellington. Breakfast brings refined takes on beloved classics, with highlights such as omelette Arnold Bennett
and Portland crab Benedict. And Sundays wouldn’t be the same without a Roast followed by a dessert trolley of British favourites, including banana split, baked Alaska, Sherry trifle, and a signature Chocolate mousse.
Autumn’s evenings will see The Grill at The Dorchester partnering with
the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to present an exclusive Supper Club Series. Two icons in London’s landscape will offer the opportunity to sample this contemporary menu with Jazz favourites such as Natalie Duncan (24 September), Natalie Williams (29 October), Jo Harrop (26 November) and Georgia Cecile (9 December), each delivering soulful, unforgettable performances.
Priced at £145 per person, excluding drinks and service, these will be unforgettable evenings that celebrate this city’s culinary and musical creativity.
Details below:
The Dorchester, 53 Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
For more information on The Dorchester’s festive calendar of events, or to make reservations here.
