London
French House
There’s almost nothing better than having an afternoon Pernot while sitting at the windowsill of this long time Soho institution. The French House is so named because it was the meeting place of the French Resistance during World War II. Later it became a haven for Britain’s most celebrated Bohemians, including Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas. It always seems to be packed, has only a few seats and only serves beer in half pints. There is also a no-music policy here and a very fine modern European restaurant upstairs – the French House Dining Room. Its location right in the guts of Soho makes it an ideal meeting place before a night out in the West End.
Spaniards’ Inn
The definitive Sunday afternoon in London is a plate of Banger’s and Mash, a couple of pints, and a good book at the The Spaniards Inn in the north London village of Hampstead. Follow lunch with a walk on Hampstead Heath to overlook the city from Parliament Hill. Situated on what was then the Old North London Road, it was built in the 16th century as a country house for the Spanish Ambassador. Later the inn was opened in the 18th Century and served as a meeting place for local highwaymen who would rob travelers who passed the pub on the way to London. There are several rooms of varying sizes. One is very tiny, with seating for no more than a dozen – and the food is always excellent.
12 Bar
Set down a tiny alleyway off Denmark Street in London’s hip West End, the 12 Bar club is one of the cities most unique, live acoustic music rooms. The stage, four feet off the floor, is the size of a postage stamp, and the upstairs seating area hangs so close over the front of the stage that a performing musician could easily reach out and pickpocket any of the patrons seated in the front row. Intimate is an understatement, but the reputation of this club is unparalleled. It is not unheard of to find members of REM, Radiohead, and others dropping in to perform a late-night set after a London gig. Plus, for the size of this room, the sound is legendary. Highly recommended. |
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