The Bar Italia family and friends celebrate at the Outernet event space

SOHO’S legendary Italian coffee bar has opened up a second branch in the hyper-contemporary Outernet event space.

To celebrate its 75th birthday last Thursday, Bar Italia opened a second branch for the first time in its history. Combining new and old, the bar has opened a podium in the middle of the covered, LED screen exhibition space right outside Tottenham Court Road tube station.

Bar Italia, opened by Lou and Caterina Polledri in 1949, is known for its almost 24-hour service, great coffee and warm service. The classic Italian café has made its way down five generations of the Polledri family, with a huge emphasis on keeping the detail and continuity of what was originally there.

It has won the “Best Coffee in London” award multiple times, the Expert’s Choice Awards and the London Lifestyle Awards.

Philip O’Ferrall, the CEO of Outernet, said: “This is new Soho coming together with classic Soho and proving that the two can combine to create something very special with real soul. Both Outernet and Bar Italia are completely unique and so this is a natural partnership. I couldn’t be happier that Outernet will be the home of a new Bar Italia spot for the first time ever.”

The Polledri family said: “The original iconic Bar Italia is thrilled to announce our opening at Outernet. We are excited to collaborate with such a legendary space, bringing our rich heritage and passion for quality to this vibrant and dynamic location. This marks the perfect union of the original 1949 café with the world’s most modern and advanced tech building, a blend of timeless tradition and cutting-edge innovation.”