Polo Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Polo Bar: The 24-Hour British Diner That Never Sleeps

A legendary Liverpool Street institution serving proper comfort food around the clock

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step into Polo Bar and you're transported to a proper retro diner complete with vintage decor, tiled seating, and quirky wall art that gives the place genuine character. The energy here is notably buzzy – scoring 7.5 out of 10 on the liveliness scale – with a constant flow of commuters, late-night revelers, and solo diners creating a dynamic atmosphere. The downstairs area maintains that classic diner vibe, while upstairs offers something special: restaurant seating with views of the station bustle below. It's refreshingly casual (2.5 out of 10 on sophistication, and that's exactly the point) and incredibly flexible, scoring 8.5 out of 10 for its relaxed approach. The space is conversation-friendly without being overwhelming, making it equally suited for solo work sessions, group meals, or casual networking. The fact that it's both pet-friendly and neurodivergent-friendly speaks to its inclusive, no-nonsense approach.

Food & Drink

The menu reads like a love letter to British comfort food, anchored by their legendary full English breakfast that's available around the clock. Beyond the breakfast staples, they serve fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers, crispy fish & chips, hearty pies, bacon butties, sausage & mash, plus lighter options like sandwiches, wraps, and toasties. Fresh pastries round out the offering for those wanting something quick. The portions are notably generous – great value territory that keeps regulars coming back. Their £50 burger challenge adds a playful element: finish it in 15 minutes and your meal's free. Reviews consistently praise the excellent full English and quality of the comfort food classics, though it's worth noting that vegan options are limited. The kitchen operates 24/7, which is no small feat, and the consistency of delivering proper British comfort food at all hours is genuinely impressive.

Service & Experience

The service here is refreshingly straightforward – fast and friendly table service that caters well to the diverse crowd of solo diners, groups, and families that flow through. Staff consistently receive praise for being friendly, which matters when you're operating around the clock and dealing with everything from bleary-eyed commuters to late-night party-goers. The team manages to maintain quality service despite the constant turnover and varied clientele. They also offer takeaway and delivery options for those who prefer their comfort food at home. Given the location and 24-hour operation, the fact that service remains consistently good speaks well to their operational standards.

Value for Money

This is where Polo Bar truly shines – genuine value for money in central London, which is increasingly rare. Most meals come in under £25 per person, with a typical meal for two including drinks running around £40. For the location opposite Liverpool Street Station and the generous portions, this represents excellent value. The pricing strategy clearly prioritizes accessibility over profit margins, making it genuinely student-friendly and a solid late-night budget option. When you factor in the 24-hour availability, the portions, and the prime location, the value proposition becomes even stronger. It's refreshing to find a place in central London that hasn't priced out regular folks looking for a proper meal.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Avoid the commuter rush hours when it gets packed and service can slow down. The sweet spot is 3am for the ultimate late-night experience when you'll have more space and can truly appreciate the 24-hour diner atmosphere. Early afternoons and late evenings tend to be calmer than peak commuter times.

What to Focus On

The legendary full English breakfast is the obvious choice – it's their claim to fame for good reason. The Mighty English comes recommended for maximum satisfaction. If you're feeling ambitious, the £50 burger challenge awaits, though finishing it in 15 minutes is no joke.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Grab an upstairs booth for the best station views – it's like dinner theater watching the constant flow of travelers belowThe 24-hour operation means you can get proper breakfast food at any time, not just morning hoursDespite being pet-friendly in policy, the actual pet accommodation details aren't specified, so call ahead if bringing your four-legged friend

The Final Verdict

Polo Bar succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to do: provide honest, hearty British comfort food at all hours without breaking the bank. It's not sophisticated dining, nor does it pretend to be. Instead, it's a reliable, buzzy institution that fills a genuine need in central London. The combination of 24-hour service, generous portions, fair pricing, and consistent quality makes it a valuable addition to the area. While vegan options are limited and it can get hectic during rush periods, these feel like minor quibbles for a place that delivers so well on its core promise.

Christoff's Rating:

7.2/10

Perfect For:

late-night diners and shift workersbudget-conscious travelers and studentsanyone craving proper British comfort food at unconventional hours

Polo Bar

Polo Bar

Christoff's Take

Polo Bar: The 24-Hour British Diner That Never Sleeps

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

Perfect For:

Quick Details

Polo Bar

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