Bar Italia

Soho's (and possibly London's) defining coffee bar is as close in atmosphere to New York City as London gets, though inspite of that and its big-screen Italian sports coverage, continental pastries and no-nonsense Italianness, you still know that you are sipping your double espresso in a historical landmark in central London. Started in 1949 by the Polledri family, with Veronica and Anthony Polledri overseeing the operation in the 21st century. The coffee is pricey but very good, the cakes and pastries are not home-made but perfectly adequate, the buzz is palpable, the outdoor seating is convenient (if scarce) for people-watching and the proximity to Old Compton Street is handy. A gay-appeal/all-appeal institution. Open late, early, always.