Baranis

We can't promise you a year in Provence, but a game of pétanque is certainly on the cards at Baranis – home to London's only indoor court. Things can get competitive after you've kicked off with a few shots of Pastis Janot or a French-themed cocktail – perhaps Julie's Mamou (a gin and elderflower sparkler), Applejack & The Green Fairy (a punchy mix of Calvados, crème de cassis and, of course, absinthe) or Le Pagnol (lychee liqueur, vodka and anise). The 'carte des vins' has a brilliant selection of characterful Corsican and Provençal bottles, while the food is supplied by the kitchens at Cigalon upstairs, so you can expect anything from top-notch charcuterie and French cheeses to socca (crispy chickpea pancakes) and anchovy-topped pissaladière. Sadly, St Tropez sunshine isn't on offer, but brightly lit brick arches give the basement space a cheerful feel.

Baranis is a French-themed, underground cocktail bar in London's Chancery Lane, hidden in plain sight within the basement of a stunning period building, below the pavement. Enter through the flashy archwayed entrance and descend into a rustic, atmospheric setting designed to transport you all the way to the south of France. 

Indeed, the bar's founders (who also own Cigalon) have a deep passion for all things French and have given the entire venue the Riviera treatment. From the playful wall murals depicting 1950s starlets ready for the beach, to the indoor pétanque floor (the only one of its kind in the UK!) it's as close as you'll get to Cannes without leaving Chancery Lane. 

The cocktail menu is also inspired by the south of France and the Mediterrainen coast, serving up signature concoctions such as the Pastis Old Fashioned with Pastis-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon and bitters; the Lychee and Lavender with lavender, gin, lychee liqueur and lemon thyme bitters; as well as the Mauresque 1840s Cocktail with Pernod Ricard Absinthe orgeat syrup and chilled water, originally created by French solidiers in the Bataillon d'Afrique. 

The food menu offers nibbles and sharing boards for a light snack alongside drinks. Order the likes of olives, nuts and Panisse (deep fried chickpea chips) for the table, as well as charcuterie, cheeses and pizzettes with toppings like mozzarella, courgette and pesto.

And, if you're looking for somewhere to hold your next event, birthday party or corporate event, Baranis welcomes large bookings. You could reserve the semi-private space on the mezzanine for up to 50 people and still benefit from the buzz of the restaurant, or takeover the entire place. For whole takeovers there is capacity for up to 120 people and the team are happy to create a bespoke dining experience, arranging platters of finger food to be circulated for your guests.