Le 49.3 (CLOSED)

There’s the feeling of a quaint university bar about the interior of the 49.3, all elegant metal stools and brown leather sofas. Its name sounds like some sort of legal amendment, but actually refers to the fact this 11th arrondissement bar offers an impressive 49 different beers in three different categories. You can choose from a variety of exceptional beers here, with prices rarely exceeding €5.50 for a 330ml bottle (for a decent brew, that’s not bad).

Some names we recognise from French pub menus, like the Barbar, Chouffe and Mort Subite (good news for Belgian bottle connoisseurs). Others are canny imports like Fuller’s, an English beer with citrus and caramel notes, only €7.50 for a 500ml bottle, or the Raging Bitch, an American brew that will appeal to bitter aficionados. The 49.3 also keeps up with the times: the gluten-free beer Altiplano is brewed in France using quinoa, hop and organic malt.

If you’re not so into your malty drinks, the 49.3’s second speciality is top-quality spirits. Choose from whisky, vodka, tequila, rum, gin, eau de vie and liqueurs, each with three different suggestions for €7, €9 or €11 a glass.

A hunk of bread and some fresh cheese come with your drinks, but there are also hefty cheese and charcuterie boards (€7.90 or €13.90). We like.