La Fine Mousse

Beer offerings in Paris can be distinctly below par, but thanks to the trend for all things organic and artisanal, a few treasures are emerging from the sea of Stella and Kro: La Fine Mousse is one. It’s run by a team of ‘bièreologues’ who man the twenty or so taps, offering a plethora of artisanal beers from France, Belgium, Norway and England. There are tasting notes on the menu, or you can leave yourself in the capable hands of the bar staff to help you choose from the range that stretches from €3.50 to €10 for 25cl, and from 5% to 10% strength. We liked the Saison Dupont, pleasing and affordable, or the Silvanecte for fans of Corsican produce. There are also cheese and charcuterie boards on offer. It’s difficult not to find something here to your taste, unless you’re in search of a happy hour (there isn’t one) or an ‘English pub’; here it’s all clean lines, leather sofas, wood and white stone, smelling gently of hops. A major plus is the quality jazz programme: double bass/guitar (or piano) duos provide an unobtrusive backdrop to the hum of the eclectic clientele.