French House, London

This minuscule gem of a pub has many eccentricities and an intriguing history depicted proudly on every available inch of wall. A long time Soho institution, the French House is so named because it was the meeting place of the French Resistance during World War II. Then, under the patronage of its charismatic landlord, Gaston, it became a haven for Britain's most celebrated Bohemians, including Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Dylan Thomas and Brendan Behan. It is seriously packed most nights and has only a few seats, but despite the high culture clientele it has an interesting rather than unattainable air to it. It's location right in the guts of Soho makes it an ideal meeting place before embarking on an evening of music or clubbing.

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