Hanzō

A samurai name that rings out in the night, a setting that’s as sharp as a knife (royal blue walls, a light wood bar, big Cabasse speakers pumping out West Coast classics) and a menu with eight carefully crafted creations. Welcome to Hanzō, tucked away in a small alley of central Bordeaux, with Wes Sengomona (ex-Moonshiner in Paris) and Quentin Recoquillon (who did a stint at L’Alchimiste) running things. Selected from the menu the night we went: a sour yet balanced Valkyrie (gin, Supasawa mixer, eucalyptus syrup, sherry fino, lemon-ginger tea – €12), followed by a smooth Oni – shochu, St-Germain, coconut and hibiscus syrup, soy milk (€11). And for all the non-alcoholic ninjas out there, there’s an iced tea and fruit of the moment mocktail (€8) on the menu as well. The snacks could use a little more finesse, but the sweet potato hummus and crispy falafel (€8) get the job done. // Paul Hackett