Iconic places to visit in London - Bar Italia- Soho

Bar Italia, Britain's most famous coffee Bar celebrates its 60th birthday this year. 

History tells that Britain's first espresso coffee bar was Moka, in Frith Street, which opened in 1953, however, Bar Italia, few doors down in the same street, had that time, already operating for four years, and survived as a landmark venue, and made its name in history as a character of Soho's Italian community.

It has a "cool" star clientele, from Rocky Marciano in 1960's (who wanted somewhere he could eat proper Italian food) to David Bowie and Kylie Minogue. Even before The Polledri family opened the business, the building had a place in history- it was there where John Logie Baird first demonstrated television.
The current boss is Tony Polledri, he is the son of the founder.
Fundamental to it all is that Bar Italia has always been an Italian social centre, Italians go there to watch the news and football on television.
Being there at some times is just like being in Italy!