Recovering one's senses an early morning at the Bar Italia is quite an experience. When you see a middle-aged man playing poker on a slot-machine below a TV blaring the news of the day to the world as well as this narrow, lively coffee bar, you feel that you must still be dreaming.
The Bar Italia is a motley affair, an institution, and at first glance an ugly café with no sense of style. However, a closer inspection reveals so much charm, confidence and attractive coffee that you are forced to surrender.
They say that they serve the best coffee in town. They also say that it is one of the best spots to sit down and look at people. Personally, I have to finish looking at hams in the ceiling, old newspaper cuttings and fruit decorations before I get around to gazing at the regulars. A fine blend of artistic souls, movie people, thespians from the many theatres nearby, gays and old men mix into a gaudy cityscape, totally different from the large, neighboring tourist magnets Oxford Street and Covent Garden.
Bar Italia, 22 Frith Street, ID 4RF. Tube: Tottenham Court Road or Picadilly Circus