Bar Italia

This is a Soho institution; one of the few survivors of old Soho, when it was seedy, slutty, a little dangerous and infinitely more fun. First opened in 1949 by Lou and Caterina Polledri as a hub for the local Italian community, Bar Italia remains a family run business three generations down the line. The distinctive green neon sign remains the same, as does the old cash register and pictures of football legends on the wall. They use the same blend of coffee from when they first opened made in the same Gaggia machine, and it's best taken as an espresso on one of the tables outside watching the Soho circus pass by. They also serve some mighty fine pizzas.