I was a bit surprised by your assertion that "the space station itself is also quite a candle. Now under resumed construction, it's the brightest object in the night sky after the moon". I looked it up, and the maximum magnitude obtained by the ISS is about -3.3, but it averages +1.5. (Magnitudes are backwards: 0 is bright, and 5 is dark. Negative magnitudes are progressively brighter.)

In contrast, for natural objects, Venus peaks at magnitude -4.4 and is at -4.1 when it's easiest to see. Currently it's at -3.8 but too close to the Sun to be easily visible. Jupiter often reaches a similar magnitude, and is currently at -1.6. (All data from Heavens Above, which will tell you when and where to look for ISS and the planets.)

However, there are brighter still objects that are man-made. The abandoned Iridium satellite phone system has left a legacy of bright flares, up to -8 in magnitude, which are indeed more visible than anything in the sky except the Moon and Sun.

For those annoyed by London's light pollution, the Campaign for Dark Skies is worth a visit.