Take an old boozer on Bethnal Green Road and hand the paint brush to some seriously ace bartenders, and you’ve got Coupette. This relaxed cocktail bar is all about French flair with understated, chic vibes. 

This isn’t OTT on the Gallic influences though, so don’t come expecting Versailles luxury - we’re still in Bethnal Green, baby. Instead, Coupette manages to fuse modern art with a pared-back design. Shelves are packed with tasty underappreciated French products - think northern apple brandy calvados or cidre from the same region, which is made like Champagne and served like wine.

This subtle French influence gets a rad twist in its latest menu, Barely Legal, which is inspired by street art but still features spirits like calvados and flavours like creme brulee. Our fave? It's the Nuts For Nuts, a rich milkshake of a serve spiked with gin that's served in a Campbell's Soup can. Trust us, it's bangin'. Or keep it classic: go for the monthly changing Apples cocktail, a simple mix of calvados and clarified apple juice - hangovers be gone. Then move on to the pièce de résistance, the Champagne Piña Colada, which is as heavenly - yet not so naughty - as it sounds. Coconut sorbet is good for you, right? This isn’t a place to be dancing on the bar (ouch, it’s made of old franc coins) so settle back and enjoy the area’s most adventurous and tasty drinks with some subdued sophistication. May we recommend the cheese plate, mes amies?