The Institute of Contemporary Arts

I have been accused of repeatedly giving favourable reviews. Like The Simpsons where Homer gives every resaurant 9 thumbs up.

I just try only to go to good places - sorry.

My new fave place to meet for a quiet or warm-up beer is the ICA bar. Its set in the Institute of Contemporary Arts (on The Mall no less) at the bottom of those huge steps at the bottom of Lower Regent Street.

As you might expect for something the Queen passes on a daily basis, this place is not cheap - but by no means is this place extortionate.

The food is pretty good and loads of veggie stuff so meeting crusty friends here is not only allowed but positively encouraged; I had the beef burger and we shared meze.

As you can imagine the crowd is pretty posh/artsy/cool. But unlike most gallery bars, not very touristy. Probably because its not one of 'the majors' all of which are pretty close by.

Membership is about 35 per annum (www.ica.org.uk) and well worth it as you get invited to boozy freebie exhibition openings and you have access to the bar which is open til 1 am most days. A bargain of a members bar... day membership is 2.

A kind of institutional feel to the bar really but in a familiar and nice way; those moulded plastic chairs with metal legs in bright orange. Friendly and studenty staff and always a nice buzz. A great start for a night of bar crawling - or an excellent place for the catch -up beer/snack/chat type thing I seem to do a lot.