Lying just off Old Compton Street, in the heart of London's gay village, this tiny French patisserie has been charming visitors for more than a century. An eclectic blend of faded Victoriana and 1950s retro gives a real sense of the coffee houses of yesteryear. Derek Jarman was a regular there, and his photo jostles for space with a riot of others above the counter. But figuring out just where to go on any given night can be confusing. In an effort to cash-in on as wide a sampling of clubbers as possible, some owners offer a variety of specialty nights that can be surprisingly strict in their exclusivity.
Lunch is served from midday, and live DJs play several nights a week.
But London's charms are not all hidden behind closed doors. It is also quite the fashion parade, and many people come out just to watch the crowds and catch the street music. Get smart Waterstone's , with locations all over the city, is great for contemporary reading material and is popular for its extensive gay and lesbian section. It has better equipment, a better locker room, a friendly staff and a humpy clientele. To return to this page, please click the Back button on your browser.