What's the story behind that Baracuta, then, John?  Someone posted a snap of Steve McQueen on here wearing a darkish blue one (if memory serves me well), and I very nearly 'flipped' my opinion of the Harrington.  (Mind you, it was McQueen, not any old hobbledehoy, to use Hancock's celebrated phrase).  Maison Bertaux, eh?  Isn't that that jellied eel and pie shop on Tower Bridge Road?

Oui, oui, but can you get a 'bake'?  Seriously, I'd recommend a Vietnamese-run place if you're ever in Paris, just opposite Gare D'Nord - still with the old zinc counter.  I shall miss Italy this year, but should find myself in Paris during early August:  matelot top, French stick tucked beneath one arm, a rolled copy of 'Le Monde', Camus in translation.

Dunno, H.  Never been able to sit through it.  Too artsy for me.

For some reason only just come across this reply. Yes, it was her, she served me! Lovely woman, co-runs it with her sister Michelle Wade who gets her three penny bits out every year on Liberation Day. The whole place has quite a saucy feel to it. Very old Soho. A bit grubby, very bespoke, just the polar opposite of every chain cafe in this Goddamn increasingly bland city of ours...God bless Maison Bertaux, Bar Italia, J.Simons, Bar du Marche, London Review Bookshop, Stanfords, Lorelei....erm now I'm struggling....we've lost a lot and I fear many in this list are seriously endangered.

GG