While the City of London continues to work a very traditional Monday to Friday 0900 to 1700 routine (the Square Mile is deserted at weekends), business hours elsewhere in the city are extremely flexible. Larger shops and chain stores are usually open until 1900 Monday to Friday, as well as until at least 1700 Saturday and Sunday. Thursday is late night shopping in the West End .

Banks in central London are now usually open until 1700, although counter transactions after 1530 are usually not processed until the next working day. Post offices vary in their opening times, but most are open from 0900 to 1730 Monday to Saturday. Pubs and bars usually open from midday until 2300, shortly after which customers will have to leave unless the premises has a late license.

Restaurants are usually open for lunch from noon until 1430, and dinner from1900 until 2200. Those hours are for 'food served' rather than 'restaurant open'.