London may be a world leader when it comes to all night clubbing, and improving when it comes to late/early drinking, although I haven't noticed much change since they relaxed the licensing laws, but that could be because I'm usually too relaxed myself to notice that anywhere's open by the traditional half past the 11.

But London still lags behind when it comes to filling up with anything more solid than a chewy Brick Lane bagel designed to keep clubbers chomping like a dog with a toffee, or an elephant's leg on a stick masquerading as a kebab.

But things are improving - we can now get Neurofen all night, order booze till 4, buy cheap Swedish bits till 12 (Mon-Friday) and even shop at Tes-Cow's till the early morn. And lest we forget about the posh late night nosh at the new Knightsbridge 7-11 (Harrods 102), where you'll find everything from Yo! to Krispy Krèmes, aged cheese to vintage wines. Even offers a Sen Chi herbalist, too.

For late night restaurants, we're still hurting for choice - but you could do worse than classic cocktails and swish bar snacks at hotels like the Lanesborough, Mandarin Oriental, or Blue Bar.

And if greasy spoons are more your style, head straight for Vingt Quatre (bacon and eggs) or the Americana Tinseltown; they may not be gourmet, but they're open all day.

Failing that, it's back to Londoners eternal 4am conundrum: Chilli sauce with that, Sir?