As the Hôtel Lancaster Paris and its CopperBay bar celebrate 100 years of welcoming guests, its bar operations manager, Aurélie Panhelleux, shares her favourite places to eat and drink in the city of love.
CopperBay, Hôtel Lancaster Paris
I’m lucky to live in the vibrant working-class 10th arrondissement, where there are so many food and drink gems. I often start my day with a pain au chocolat at Mamiche when I have time before work or on weekends, and a coffee at dreamin’man or white.
If the weather is nice, I head to Canal Saint-Martin, just 10 minutes away, for a walk along the water and a visit to a bookstore I love, Artazart. Then I’ll stop at Bao Family for lunch or head back to my neighbourhood for the best döner in Paris at Ozlem. I also very often go to Le Réveil du 10ème my headquarter and the one from most of the people of the hood. Comfort food, French classics and the loveliest hospitality.
If I have time I head in the 11th to one of my happy places, a Greek restaurant called Marias (the owner’s name and cutest lady) and get all the mezze.
In the afternoon, I love going to exhibitions. I’m particularly a fan of the Bourse de Commerce near Châtelet – its currently preparing an exhibition on clair obscur that I can’t wait to see.
In a different style, I also love La Galerie Dior, which showcases dresses from all of Dior’s collections over the years – such inspiring craftsmanship. We also have may art galleries in Paris, so strolling is always the best option to discover new gems.
In the evening, it all depends on whether I’m in a cozy mood for a night at home, or to go out with friends – but I can never say no to a good wine bar with beautiful small plates. My favourite spots are Elementerre in the 10th, Chop Chop Love that has chef residencies, Juveniles near the Louvre, and Le Verre Volé. You cannot go wrong with any of them. I also love a good African restaurant like BMK Paris Bamako, their Mafé is amazing.
I’m always happy to end the night with a cocktail. Right now, I really like Superfine in the Bastille area, Mesures in the Marais, or Abstract on Rue Montorgueil – and finish at Harmony in Pigalle with a highball in hand.