Maxime Hoerth is one of just a handful of people in the world to have a Master Craftsman (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) in cocktails. So you know the stellar team here have their craft down, but they’re super charming to boot. Architect Pierre Yves Rochon did the place up; he also revamped the Savoy, so we’re not talking a quickie paint job. The vibe is British colonial with a peacock tapestry, Versailles oak, illuminated bookshelves and a 19th-century marble fireplace. Behind the bar, it’s back to the future, with a giant mirror that turns into a screen featuring visual artists and filmmakers. At first we thought we were tripping on the absinthe cocktails. 

Speaking of which, Barchick LOVED the seriously good Asatsuyu: pisco, ginger, saké, lemongrass and yuzu juice, served in a cute sake pot. They always have a limited edition cocktail on the menu, which last time we went was champagne-based complete with peacock feather garnish and a numbered certificate. At €26 per cocktail and with bar snacks a painful €12, we recommend finding an expense account friend and schedule yourselves a ‘business meeting’.