Yes you’ve read this right: there is genuinely a restaurant/bar which is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Polo Bar has been a life-saver for knowledgeable Londoners for many years now, who need to fend off their hunger pangs during odd hours of the day.
It is very conveniently located opposite Liverpool train station, which is ideal for commuters who want an early breakfast or a late night snack before heading home. There is also a significant bus network right outside the cafe. The restaurant front is relatively small and lack some kerb appeal, but you do have to give them marks for patriotism.
Inside, it is curiously decorated with old advertising signs and paraphernalia from bygone eras. The seating are wooden benches which are perfectly comfortable enough for you to enjoy your meal without encouraging you to sit endlessly, taking up their valuable table spaces. You will find there is a constant stream of people coming and going at all hours of the day.
The highlights from their menu include an ever-changing daily pie of the day, you can enjoy a make-your-own breakfast in the middle of the night and they have an award-winning selection of pancakes. Crucially for some people, they do offer alcohol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only requirement between 1-8am is that you order food with your alcoholic beverages.
I tried a brilliant smoked salmon with scrambled eggs: the fish was suitably oily and rich, the scrambled eggs were cooked to the right timing, not too runny or overly dry. The guacamole had an irresistible creaminess and it was quite filling along with the salmon, mixed leaves and bagel. The only thing they could have improve on was the freshness of the bagels, it was perfectly adequate, but didn’t quite felt like it had just come out of the oven.
If you are visiting at odd hours of the day, I would suggest trying their smoothie selection. I had the aptly named energy, which had carrot, apple, orange, ginger and lime and did give me a suitable boost of vitality.
Whilst it isn’t exactly British, their nata custard tart is a delightful little sweet treat to reward yourself. It has a crisp, flaky pastry and a tasty hint of lemon and cinnamon. I had my version cold, although I would recommend asking them to heat it up.
Make sure you make a note of the address of Polo Bar, as you never know when it might come handy!
baldwin@townfish.com