BAR HANGOVER

Bar Hangover keeps unusual hours in the heart of Ikebukuro, opening its doors at one in the morning and pouring through to ten in the morning. The second-floor counter is a relaxed, no-frills spot for night owls, shift workers and anyone winding down after the last train, with a simple charge and drinks priced to keep the evening uncomplicated. A ninety-minute all-you-can-drink plan at three thousand yen covers shochu, whisky and highballs, while a la carte drinks start from around a thousand yen and bottles from five thousand. The room is small and the staff friendly, five minutes' walk from Ikebukuro station, and it closes on Sundays. It is well suited to small groups looking to stretch a late night without breaking the bank. There is a certain comfort to a bar that opens when most others are closing, and Hangover leans into that role with a warm, unhurried welcome. The conversation-led mood makes it easy to settle in and watch the city quiet down outside. It is a dependable last port of call for Ikebukuro's late crowd.