The most unusual rum bar near Paris

A new rum bar has just opened just outside Paris. Beyond the concept, it's the location of the Monastic that should surprise you...

Mathilde Bourge Published on 2/22/24 at 4:56 PM

Rum lovers should flock to this address. The Domaine Reine Margot Paris Issy - MGallery, which opened its doors at the end of 2023, has also inaugurated its rum bar, the Monastic, in a rather unexpected location. Here's everything you need to know about this truly unusual speakeasy.

Monastic: an incredible speakeasy

As its name suggests, the Monastic is housed in a former religious monument. So it's within the estate's chapel that this rum bar welcomes customers for tastings and masterclasses. "It's a place that had never been open to the public before, and which was desacralized by the Company of the Priests of Saint-Sulpice", explains Nelly Quenon, marketing and communications director for Domaine Reine Margot.

The historic neo-Gothic monument, once a place of prayer and celebration for young priests in training, was restored for the occasion. "This Chapelle de la Solitude was really in its element. The stained glass windows were removed and renovated one by one, the roof frame was completely redone, and the 76 statues of disciples were also repainted", she explains.

Yann Deret

In all, 400 references of rums from over 35 destinations are on offer, from the Martinique distillery La Favorite, to Chamarel on Mauritius, via O Reizinho in Madeira. "One of the people behind the project is passionate about rum," explains the communications manager.

To help you make your choice, the Monastic offers a tasting session from 7:30pm to 11pm, to discover four different rums, or even masterclasses available on reservation from 6pm to 6:45pm or from 6:45pm to 7:30pm. The bar can also be privatized for an even more privileged moment. "This 'M Moment', specific to each M Gallery hotel, offers to privatize the chapel for one hour for two people (€100 per person). During this time, the head bartender tells the story of rum, how it is made and aged, as well as the history of the chapel. Customers taste four rums, as well as a small baba au rhum, and take a small bottle home with them to prolong the experience." Occasionally, the Monastic is also available for corporate events, cocktail parties and private dinners.