Le Syndicat, Paris

The challenges faced by bars that focus on local products aren’t always about seasonality or supply chains. Sometimes it’s about the way that people think about an ingredient or product. Beyond its commitment to using French ingredients, Le Syndicat is determined to change the outdated perceptions of traditional (and unpopular) French spirits and wines by using them in modern, innovative cocktails. As the bar’s name suggests – and founder Romain Le Mouëllic confirms – collaboration is central to its approach.. “The current menu was made in collaboration with French chefs and all the wines we used match with the personal taste or story of these different chefs. It’s an authentic taste of France, overlapping the worlds of fine French wines and gastronomy.”

Romain and the team are currently planning a grand tour of France with two ambitious projects. “We want to unearth forgotten eaux-de-vie or prestige eaux-de-vie from large and small houses, and offer them on a never-before-seen menu with the finest selection of French spirits.” They also plan to produce spirits in collaboration with some of Le Syndicat’s historical partners, creating unique batches for sale in the bar, combining heritage and modernity in a way that is unmistakably and exquisitely French.