This place doesn’t have a proper name to speak of, just an enigmatic sign adorned with monochromatic shapes. For their arrival in the city of Bordeaux, the French duo who’ve been shaking up London’s mixology scene – Remy Savage (Bar Nouveau in Paris, Bar Abstract in Lyon) and Paul Lougrat (ex-Artesian in London) – are keeping things low-key. Tucked away on the quays, this replica of their original spot across the pond, A Bar with Shapes for a Name, dreamt up in collaboration with Matthieu Gervereau (Vintage Group) and Jérémy Banier (Bar Simone), combines distinctly Bauhaus-inspired chiaroscuro (mahogany wood, stainless steel light fixtures reminiscent of Walter Gropius) with servers clad in colorful, chemist-style jumpsuits. A very fitting uniform, as the potions here are crafted upstairs in the lab, before being served in small wax-sealed bottles or glasses with engraved ice cubes. Sip with caution: a Kasimir, featuring a clarified vodka peach yogurt base with hints of absinthe (€10); a zesty Pastel, a blend of rhubarb and lime punched up with vodka (€14); or perhaps a fiery Habanero combining yellow chili eau-de-vie with Campari jelly (€11). There are also some lovely little snacks if you’re feeling peckish (€7-9), like hummus, stracciatella from La Laiterie Burdigala, or lomo ham from the Basque Country. // Ari Beaux
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