THOUSANDS of Londoners will be crowding bars and pubs across the capital today to watch the presidential election coverage through the night.

A huge proportion of those partying until the early hours will be members of the 250,000-strong American expat community.

Although the first results from the exit polls are not expected until at least midnight, events are kicking off in the early evening and will go on until a final result is announced, which is not expected before 8am.

The biggest party will take place at Yates Wine Lodge in Leicester Square, where hundreds are expected to turn up until the bar closes at 4am. Tickets start at £35 and go up to £100, with food and alcohol provided.

In Westminster, the St James Hotel and Club is holding an all-night screening of the state election results with a US-style buffet.

Planet Hollywood in the West End's Coventry Street is also showing the results on a big screen.

Private members club The East Room in Shoreditch is also expected to draw in huge crowds until 9am tomorrow. The bar is charging £125-a-head with food and drink, including pancakes and coffee, on offer through the night. The venue intends to create a convention atmosphere with 100 Democrats, 100 Republicans and 49 neutrals invited. Champagne will be offered at dawn to the winning party.

The Chicago Rib Shack in Knightsbridge will also be showing live election coverage and is charging £25 for a late-night supper from 11pm. Breakfast will be served at 6.30am.

The American Bar at the Stafford Hotel in St James's Place will be showing coverage all night with no admission fee. However, men will only be allowed entry to the bar if they are wearing a formal jacket.

There is no dress code at the Sun and Doves pub in Camberwell, where the election will be shown. Traditional American food will also be available, including burgers, hot dogs, salt beef, fries, bagels and big bags of doughnuts. Entry is free but the venue is only open until midnight.

Politicians and celebrities will be attending a more formal event being held at the US embassy in Grosvenor Square. Festivities there will begin at 10pm.

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