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Paul Feig is a famous film director. He made movies like Bridesmaids and A Simple Favor. He is also known for something else — he loves cocktails.
“Try to find one of my movies where no one drinks a martini!” Paul jokes.
He thinks cocktails are special. He likes the way they look, how they are made, and the glasses they are served in. For Paul, cocktails are not just drinks. They are part of a beautiful adult life.
He always wears stylish clothes and says that a cocktail moment should feel important — even at home. You should wear nice clothes and use the right glass. A drink should feel special.
Best for a Classic Martini: DUKES Bar, London, UK
Paul loves DUKES Bar in London. It’s small and feels like a cozy home. He says it looks like a grandmother’s living room with heavy chairs and soft lights.
He likes this bar because:
- The martinis are cold and never touch ice.
- The staff are very professional.
- The drinks are made with frozen gin and vermouth.
- The glass stays very cold.
He also likes the style — beautiful wood, bottles on display, and smart bartenders. Paul says the bar has a little “James Bond feeling.”
Best for People Watching: Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri, Italy
Paul and his wife have visited Capri, Italy, every year for over 30 years. Their favorite spot is Quisisana Hotel, especially the outdoor bar.
Why he loves it:
- You can sit outside and watch people.
- The bar is full of history and style.
- Drinks like spritz and aperol are served with tasty snacks like olives and crisps.
Paul says the best part is sitting at the front of the hotel and feeling like a local.
Best for Old New York Vibe: Bemelmans Bar, New York City, US
This bar is inside the Carlyle Hotel in New York. Paul says it feels like “old New York.” The walls are painted with cartoons by artist Ludwig Bemelmans.
Paul likes:
- The fun atmosphere and live jazz music.
- The staff, who know him well.
- The creative way they serve martinis — halfway through, they give you a new frozen glass with the rest of the drink!
He says it feels like you’re stepping into a cartoon.
Best for “New Old” New York: The Polo Bar, New York City, US
This stylish bar was opened by designer Ralph Lauren. Paul loves how it looks — wood, paintings, leather, and even fireplaces.
At The Polo Bar, he enjoys:
- Stirred martinis (not shaken).
- Ralph Lauren glassware and style.
- American food like burgers, served beautifully.
Paul says the place is “very mature and very beautiful.”
Best for American Style: Smoke House, Burbank, California, US
This is Paul’s favorite bar in his hometown. The Smoke House looks like a bar from the past. He says it has:
- Dark wood, red leather, and old-style charm.
- A friendly crowd, not too fancy.
- Garlic bread and chicken wings.
Paul likes that the bartenders here know how to make a great martini. He says, “It’s not fancy, but it’s really fun.”
Final Words
Paul Feig is not just a movie director. He is a true cocktail lover. For him, cocktails are not only drinks — they are an experience. He chooses bars with:
- Beauty
- History
- Great service
And, most of all, excellent martinis
He says, “I look for something beautiful, and I do my research.” So when you travel, maybe try one of Paul’s favorite cocktail bars — and enjoy the moment.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Cocktail: A mixed drink, usually with alcohol.
Example: Paul Feig loves to drink and talk about cocktails.
Director: A person who makes movies.
Example: Paul Feig is a famous movie director.
Martini: A popular type of cocktail.
Example: Paul always orders a martini.
Stylish: Wearing or having good fashion.
Example: He always wears stylish clothes.
Bartender: A person who makes and serves drinks.
Example: The bartenders at DUKES Bar are very professional.
Glassware: Fancy glasses used for drinks.
Example: The bar uses beautiful glassware.
Frozen: Very cold; turned to ice.
Example: The martini is made with frozen gin.
Vermouth: A type of wine used in martinis.
Example: They mix gin with vermouth.
Cozy: Small and comfortable.
Example: The bar feels like a cozy living room.
Patio: An outdoor seating area.
Example: Paul likes sitting at the patio in Capri.
People watching: Watching people in public places.
Example: He enjoys people watching at the hotel bar.
Snacks: Small foods like chips or olives.
Example: Drinks come with snacks like olives.
Cartoon: Funny drawings or pictures.
Example: The walls are painted with old cartoons.
Jazz: A type of smooth, lively music.
Example: The bar has live jazz music at night.
Fireplace: A place where you burn wood for warmth.
Example: There’s a fireplace in the back of the bar.
Burgers: A sandwich with meat, usually beef.
Example: They serve delicious burgers with the drinks.
Old-fashioned: In an older or classic style.
Example: The bar has an old-fashioned American feel.
Leather: Material made from animal skin.
Example: The chairs are made of red leather.
Welcoming: Friendly and nice to guests.
Example: The bar is very welcoming to everyone.
Experience: Something you live through and enjoy.
Example: Paul says a cocktail is a full experience.