Bar Italia

Bar Italia is a family-run Italian espresso bar on Frith Street in Soho, opened in 1949 by Lou and Caterina Polledri with a small loan. It is now run by the third and fourth generations of the family and has become one of the best-known cafés in London, a meeting point for Soho regulars, theatregoers, musicians and night owls. The building has its own place in history too: in 1926, before the café opened, John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of television in rooms upstairs.

Inside, the narrow bar has changed little in spirit since the post-war years. The Gaggia coffee machine was one of the first in the UK, although the original gas-powered model has since been replaced by an electric one. Above the counter hangs a poster of the boxer Rocky Marciano, a gift to the family from his widow. The menu covers espresso and classic Italian coffees, cocktails including an espresso martini, and simple food such as Margherita pizza, rigatoni carbonara, toasted focaccia panini and cannoli. Gluten-free bases and pasta and vegan cheese are available.

Bar Italia suits almost anyone: a morning espresso before work, a late-night coffee after the theatre or a club, or a people-watching session at the pavement tables. It is especially atmospheric late at night, when Soho is still busy and few other cafés are open. It can get crowded at weekends and late on Friday and Saturday nights.

The café is open every day from 07:00 until 04:00, making it one of the few places in central London where you can get a proper coffee in the small hours. Seating is limited, both at the counter inside and on the pavement outside, so be prepared to stand at the bar at busy times, Italian style. Mention any allergies when ordering, as the kitchen handles common allergens.

Frith Street runs south from Soho Square to Old Compton Street. Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations are each about five minutes' walk away. Ronnie Scott's jazz club is just across the road, and the theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue, the restaurants of Soho and Chinatown are all within a few minutes on foot.