Where shall we meet?: The Soho Brasserie

The Soho Brasserie, 23 Old Compton St, London W1 (071-439 9301)

Soho trendies like a place with the word 'Soho' in its name, as it reminds them where they are. The Soho Brasserie, icon of the service industry boom and the small car advert, fits all the bills: a bar against which to lean and talk about how much weight your sister's put on, little tables, food in the back and plenty of lipstick on all the clientele. Drinks are comfortingly upper-income (pounds 1.95 for that essential dry white wine, pounds 1.10 for an espresso). Good for theatreland

Monday: The Surprise, Southville, SW8.

(Photograph omitted)