O'Brien's Factory

O'Brien's Factory is one of District 1's longer-serving Irish bars, set on Hai Ba Trung in Ben Nghe ward, within easy walking distance of the Opera House and the hotels around Dong Khoi. The interior is old-school: a long polished bar, brass taps, table lamps and shelves of whiskey.

Pasteur Street Brewing's stout is the regular dark pint, with Saigon beer on tap and Guinness when stock allows; a Vietnamese gin also features. The menu sticks to pub standards such as fish and chips, shepherd's pie, chilli con carne, club sandwiches and cheesesteak sandwiches, plus house pizza.

Live music turns up on some nights, and reviewers describe a relaxed, conversational atmosphere rather than a party bar, which makes it a useful retreat from the traffic outside. It opens at 3pm (4.30pm on Sundays) and closes around midnight, takes cards and offers table service.