Flat White on Berwick St in Soho, London.

They take their coffee extremely seriously there. More than once i've ordered a coffee and listened to the baristas have heated arguments with the lingering barista friends over the best modifications to make to their expensive coffee machines to achieve optimum results.

"Ooooh! A X3 filter on a Mk. 5 steamer! Interesting!" (or whatever - all a different language to me).

I searched this one out on my last trip to London based on recommendations from the CoffeeGeek board. Great coffee, but I think the friend who was with me was not so amused by the area we walked through to get there.

Depending on your sensibilities and the angle of attack to reach Flat White, I can see how one may find it a bit dodgy.

I'm assuming you're referring to coming from the south via the little alleyway full of peep shows and porn shops? Personally I like the squalor and depravity of it all (favourite neon sign in the area - "Trashy Lingerie" - I think it's suppose to be sexy, but it just comes across as being so twee and English to me), and while it all looks a little seedy, it's perfectly safe to walk around.

If you come from the north, you'll pass the european headquarters of lots of record companies and media dahlings generally, and Flat White is directly opposite Ford's european design HQ.

It's actually a pretty desirable/hip/expensive place to have an office.

Precisely. As you've noted, it's really not that bad, but if I ever visit there again with that friend in tow, I will know to approach from the north.

My favorite is Cafe Drouant in the Opera quarter of Paris. Also serves good food and opens late.