A luxury club in Bristol
Even more unexpected, we wouldn’t believe it. There are no clues to predict the incredible transformation of a Parisian palace at night. Once past the impressive lobby and all its treasures – royal tapestries, busts of sovereigns, carvings… -, one is confronted by purple neon. Three letters appear shamelessly: “BAD, Bristol After Dark”. The surprise inside is even more beautiful. Century-old woodwork, silk rugs and masterpieces from the Oetker family’s private collection rub shoulders with disco balls and amethyst lighting. The DJ perfectly mixes disco beats, 1990s pop and contemporary hits to entice an audience that is as diverse as it is fun. Mixed in with the hotel’s rare guests are night owls curious to find out what’s going on in their normally quiet bar. Audacity is also on the cocktail menu with stunning concoctions, tequila-carrot-carry or rum-cranberry-chai pell-mell, without sacrificing the classics with vintage bubbles and star studded tapas signed by Éric Frechon. Unheard of in the festive landscape of the capital and a full house for an institution whose name has not finished celebrating the generations.
BAD, at Bristol Bar, 112 rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris. Tuesday to Saturday, 10pm to 2am. Cocktails for 32 euros.
An erotic journey in 1K Paris
Insiders already knew about La Mezcaleria, the hidden bar in this Marais hotel. Available after passing through the kitchens of the establishment’s Peruvian restaurant, it has become a popular Parisian destination for mezcal lovers. But since the beginning of the month, it is another name that is whispered at will. Malicia. Even more hidden. How to enter? Some hotel, bar or restaurant customers will be able to be invited. The others will head to the back of the room, to a cupboard that you must open to enter this secret lair where the smell of copal floats. Soft sofas, pleated fabric ceiling with an inspiring opening and print Dream of a fisherman’s wife by Hokusai complete the erotic-romantic atmosphere of La Malicia. The menu prides itself on gothia, the art and practice of summoning demons, and each of the eight cocktails embodies a characteristic of the evil creature. Thus “Valak,” known as “the curser,” incites his victims to lust and scandal with an accord of mastic, celery brandy, champagne, absinthe, and fruit juice; while “Bailet,” the eminent and fearsome king, has the power to initiate adulterous affairs with gin infused with cream of cacao berries and yohimbe bark, a natural Viagra. A special mention for the stained glassware – undeniable charm.
La Malicia, at Hotel 1K, 13 boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris. Open Thursday to Saturday, 7pm. Cocktails for 15 euros.
At Rochechouart: retro dances
Its rooftop, overlooking the Sacré-Coeur, and its rooms, both discreet and elegant, had already made this establishment a desirable meeting place in Pigalle. Since October 6, he has added a new string to his bow with the reopening of the iconic dance hall Mikado. At the height of youth in the Roaring 20s, the room vibrates every Sunday with musette balls and beautiful period bands. Then the world learns to swing to the Charleston and groove to the good sounds of biguine. A clandestine gambling den that later attracted rogues, high-class consorts and social dancers before being confiscated during the war. The dance hall has regained its feathers and mood under the leadership of the duo Festen, Hugo Sauzay and Charlotte de Tonnac. Japanese lanterns, plush sofas and a large counter with Art Deco motifs give the place a deliciously retro feel. Musically, the house aims to be eclectic and fun; you never know what artists from all over the world will be playing, from disco to techno. The bet paid off, according to the crowd that gathered around the large central bar from 11 p.m. More conflicting opinions in terms of service. poorly balanced cocktails, one of which is served in two glasses (“because not everything fits in one”) and willing but under-trained staff. Let’s be forgiving, this is the beginning of another renaissance…
The Mikado Dancing, at Hotel Rochechouart, 11 rue Lallier, 75009 Paris. Open Thursday to Saturday, 8.30pm to 3am. Cocktails for 14 euros.
Desired detox at Normandy Le Chantier
Opened in 1877 on the rue Saint-Honoré, it is one of those establishments that has passed through the centuries unnoticed. But that was before. Until the major renovation works started in 2019 and the opening of the sulfur bar in the basement of the hotel as secret. Behind the mirrored door, a narrow spiral staircase marks the passage to Rehab, a space halfway between the apothecary and the opium lair. Tasteful alcoves lit by Chinese lanterns and silk hangings on the walls suggest many mysteries…Each cocktail is based on a part of the history of the establishment or region itself, with complex and controlled alliances like the one it’s made. mezcal, bourbon, beet/mango scrub/walnut vinegar, lime juice and jalapeño. A very good point about the attention given to the reuse of waste fresh ingredients that are turned into ornaments or decorations. And for the offer of works “low alcohol by volume ”, thanks to low-grade spirits such as vermouths, liqueurs or sherries. The secret to less difficult evening effects and gentle detoxification (Rehab).
Rehab, at Hotel Normandy Le Chatier, 254 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 7pm to 2pm. Cocktails for 17 euros.
Source: Le Figaro
