Le Kremlin (CLOSED)

This is one of Time Out's 100 best bars in Paris. Click here to see the full list.

A Russian outpost in the middle of Pigalle? It’s not, in fact, a hostess bar, but a rather a super cool new venue that’s been heaving from the word go – it’s difficult to clear a path to the bar through the mob to order one of the fantastic imported vodkas or original cocktails (€8 to €11). The young team aren’t afraid to blast out a good selection of music, or to throw together bold mixtures of local and imported booze. Try the Negroni Lenin (honey-flavoured 42 Below vodka, Gran Classico and Campari), the Red Star (mezcal, fresh beetroot and Carpano) or even the Red Army (Gin Carpano, green Chartreuse and orange bitters). If you prefer beer, opt for one of the imported bottles: a Kremlin or one of the numerous Baltika beers, at very reasonable prices (between €3.5 and €5 a go). Once you’ve finally got hold of your drink, enjoy the respite from the throng and pass an eye over the sumptuous communist red décor, punctuated with propaganda posters and quaint Soviet-style furniture. You can also take the occasional breather in the little cul-de-sac outside. In contrast to the design scheme, the clientele is very Parisian.