French House

This legendary Soho watering hole was patronised by General de Gaulle during the Second World War, and later by Dylan Thomas, Francis Bacon, Dan Farson and many other louche Soho habitués. Run by Lesley Lewis for over 20 years, the small, intimate and very atmospheric bar only serves half pints of Budvar, Leffe and Guinness. The upstairs restaurant Polpetto closed in summer 2012 and became a second bar, offering more informal drinking space and this area is also used as an art gallery. Only lunchtime bar food is served.