What should I order? A Drunk in Love, with fruit purée, Maras des Bois strawberries and coriander.
This bar is tucked away on the top floor of what looks like a relatively lifeless apartment block on Rue Boulanger, near République. But this is all part of the game for Le Lavomatic’s owners, who have also snapped up the ground floor and are opening a fully functioning launderette here in September 2015.
Because of all this, and because you can only reach the bar by climbing up a dainty spiral staircase, the whole place has the air of an illicit speakeasy joint. Once inside, you can curl up on brightly-coloured pop art style sofas or rock from side to side on two pretty little swings at the back of the room. The space is well lit, warm and comfortable.
Menu-wise, the speciality is cocktails: the Drunk in Love, made with fruit purée, Maras des Bois strawberries and coriander, is particularly fragrant and full-bodied (we’re looking at you, Beyoncé). The Healthy Mary Detox is similarly tasty, though don’t be deceived by the name, as ‘healthy’ and ‘detox’ aren’t words we’d normally use to describe a drink that combines a potent Bloody Mary with Laphroaig whisky and extra vodka. Served in a coffee cup, it’s a strong mix but doesn’t quite seem worth the €10.
In any case, the bar’s stylish interior and thoroughly exclusive feel make Le Lavomatic quite the experience. Not to mention the launderette, which will probably become ‘the place’ to wash your laundry with your mates (if you want to pay ‘bobo’ prices for your detergent, probably).