THE shortlist; TEN PLACES TO EAT AFTER MIDNIGHT IN LONDON ...

Plzza on the Park 11 Knightsbridge, SW1 (0171-235 5273). Latecomers very welcome by the manager Paul Georgiou, order by midnight and enjoy live jazz and cabaret up to the early hours.

The Lebanese Restaurant 60 Edgware Road, W2 (0171-262 9585). Late night booking advisable. Try one of the 40 starters followed by the plat du jour and typical sweet pastry for pudding.

Bar Italia 22 Frith Street, W1 (01 71-437 4520). Soho's best known coffee house, open 24 hours. Serving cappucinos, espressos, lasagne, sandwiches and pastries in a bustling atmosphere.

Brick Lane Beigal Bake 159 Brick Lane, E1 (0171-729 0616). Join the queue any time 24 hours a day and sample plain or smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels.

Clifton 126 Brick Lane, E1 (0171- 247 2364). Enduring favourite Indian restaurant, you can order your dinner here up until 12.30am. Good value, varied menu and popular with the locals.

Nicolsons 6A Nicolson Street, Edinburgh (0131-5574567). Relaxed eaterie, international cuisine, reasonable prices, from 7pm to 1am daily.

The Mean Fiddler 26 Wrexford Street, Dublin (003531-4758555). Order from a selection of Italian and French dishes and dine until 2am, accompanied by live music.

Magical Animal Dream Factory 24-26 Berrylands Road, Surbiton, Surrey (0181-296 0504). You can catch last orders at midnight, then settle down to comfort food such as beans, burgers and chips in somewhat psychedelic surroundings.

Champers St Mary's Street, Cardiff (01222-373363). Welcoming Spanish bodega bar with Tapas and other specialities.

George and Davis 55 Little Clarendon Street, Oxford (01865- 516652). Lovely ice-cream pariour, with a mean line in bagels - but you must order by midnight.

Compiled by Roopi Makkar