This legendary, twin-storied bohemian boozer has quite a history: it was the meeting place of the Free French Forces during WWII and de Gaulle is said to have drunk here often, while Dylan Thomas, Peter O’Toole and Francis Bacon all measured their length on the wooden floor at least once. Expect to share space with media and theatre types enjoying liquid lunches.

　　Sip on Ricard, French wine or Kronenbourg, and socialise with the quirky locals (a practice encouraged by the house's 'no music, no machines, no television and no mobile phones' policy). Francophile food such as oysters, rillettes and rabbit with mustard (mains around £16) is served from 12.30pm to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, plus 6pm to 9.30pm Tuesday to Thursday.