Bar Italia

Bar Italia is a classic Italian coffee bar at 22 Frith Street in Soho, London, open since 1949. It was opened by Lou and Caterina Polledri and is still run by the Polledri family. The interior has barely changed over the decades, with red-and-white Formica, terrazzo tiles and a neon sign that has watched over Frith Street for generations, and the bar has become a fixture for early risers, late-night regulars and everyone in between.

The building has its own place in history: it is where John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of television in 1926, marked by a commemorative plaque outside. Today the draw is proper Italian coffee, with espresso served in delicate china cups, alongside a short menu that includes pizza such as Margherita with mozzarella, tomato and basil.

Bar Italia keeps some of the longest hours in central London, opening every day from 7 am until 4 am, which makes it a popular stop before and after theatre, music and nights out in the West End. The bar also offers private hire, has an online shop and lists events on its What's On page. For enquiries, call +44 20 7437 4520. Leicester Square and Tottenham Court Road Underground stations are a few minutes' walk away.

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