The new incarnation of le Secret, based right in the heart of the city – just a short stroll from the Arc de Triomphe – maintains the same plush décor as its predecessor, all deep, dark wood panelling and elegant black banquettes, a single flower perching atop each crisply linen-draped table. It’s a romantic, beguiling room and there’s also an airy, comfortable terrace for those who enjoy a spot of people watching. But it’s the drinks that really draw the attention. Renowned bartender Greg Hazac’s well-composed cocktail menu for The Bistrologist features just south of twenty house creations, all of them intriguing. Fresh, seasonal ingredients, herbs and house-made syrups are high on the agenda and there are a number of options designed for sharing which are served in heavy glass decanters. Cocktails range from the sophisticated to the playful, with the Tic Tac Martini, a mix of vodka, citrus and tic tac syrup, falling firmly into the latter category. They also stock a small but interesting range of wines, with a focus on the biodynamic, and their food menu has been spruced up to include a tasty house burger and even caviar if you’re feeling flash. While it’s true the prices are on the steep side (you’ll pay around 15 Euros for a cocktail), this reflects the bar’s central location and is in keeping with other bars in the area. The atmosphere is glamorous in a very Parisian way, the crowd equally sophisticated.