Top 5 Soho boozers

Forget all the swanky bars and clubs, Soho still has some decent, old-style boozers.

The French House, 49 Dean Street, W1 (020-7437 2799). Classic Soho haunt

This shabbily attractive old bar, an institution in Soho's drinking circles, is where resting actors gather to contemplate 'what might have been'. Things have changed little over the years: drinks are still served by the half pint and Ricard pastis is popular. A wonderful pub.

The Coach & Horses, 29 Greek Street, W1 (020-7437 5920). For die-hards with a heart

Another grubby, oldfashioned pub that still captures the hearts of Soho's long-term drinking fraternity. It claims to have the rudest landlord in the name of Norman Balon, and few would disagree with him. This is the place where the writer Jeffrey Bernard made himself unwell.

The Dog And Duck, 18 Bateman Street, W1 (020-7494 0697). Great beer, great charm

This eternally charming and tiny pub is, they say, Soho's oldest, having been around since the 1730s. It has changed little since then, and even a recent sensitive refurbishment was only carried out to keep it as it is for another decade or so. Timothy Taylor's Landlord bitter is always on tap, along with an everchanging list of quality guest ales.

De Hems, 11 Macclesfield Street, W1 (020-7437 2494). Historic and friendly Dutch pub

De Hems claims to be London's only Dutch pub. Does anyone doubt it? It looks Dutch - see its gable. It behaves Dutch. Proost! It is Dutch all right. A Dutch sailor took it over in the Twenties and, since then, it's been Dutch plates, Dutch photographs, Dutch old masters. 'Oranjeboom Gezondheid' declares the mirror behind the bar - which is a friendly greeting, apparently. And friendly and traditional it is.

The Carlisle Arms, 2 Bateman Street, W1 (020-7479 7951). An oasis of tradition

This is a small, oldfashioned, traditional pub surrounded by style bars at every turning.