Alphabet

In bar years, making it past 15 qualifies you as a senior citizen, but this ‘great little evergreen’ still draws a cool young crowd & shows no sign of relinquishing its grip on the Soho-boho imagination. As a Wi-Fi office/canteen/social, Alphabet is appreciated for its laid-back daytime vibe & ramped-up late-night amps in the DJ bar downstairs. Reasonably priced wines include a cheap & cheerful house Italian, while serviceable cocktails (£7.50) take in cherry julep, classic pink, gin-based ‘English mojito’, strawberry & mint daiquiri, & espresso martini. To eat, choose from nibbles (tortilla, albondigas, chilli & ginger squid, lamb kofta) or more substantial nosh – perhaps chicken nachos, veggie mezze or chunky sandwiches of double sausage & mustard. The venue’s arty pose is intentionally more shabby than chic – like its punters.