Village's quest for an all-night drinking establishment in the City continues. Last week we reported that J Sainsbury was seeking a licence to sell alcohol until 5am at its Holborn Circus headquarters – but that it does not intend to open to the public.

Now pub owner J D Wetherspoon is seeking permission to serve booze at its Hamilton Hall outlet on the concourse of Liverpool Street Station from 4am to 3am the following morning, seven days a week. Even bond dealers and marketmakers who miss their last trains to Essex could cope with a pub that shuts for one hour at 3am if they stock up when last orders are called.