lcohol is medicine for the DT crowd, so a pharmacy-themed bar makes sense. Entering the Baldwin Barmacie for the first time feels like entering the lounge in the space-satellite of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” From the long wood passerelle and the white sixties furnishing, to the tiny ashtrays, the feel is very Kubrick. Yes, that is my own delirium, but one thing remains, the Baldwin Barmacie is impeccably well designed. (If I could, I would have stolen that sublime ceiling-light and put it in my apartment, if only my ceiling was big enough.)

The Baldwin's unpretentious staff serves your favourite hard liquor and accompanying mix selection in ancient syrup bottles; you can mix and pour the way that you want. That's how medicine is supposed to be served.

The bartender shook me a dazzling French martini (vodka + cassis syrup + pineapple juice), the kind that puts foam on the tip of your nose as you take your first sip: delicious! As for specialties, BB serves cider on tap, as well as a good variety of beer. A variety of Mousseux (especially from Portugal) is also available.

Baldwin Barmacie has no cover charge and is open every night of the week, with a variety of DJs who change as the weekdays go by. While the non-energy scene can occasionally get underwhelming, locals are still drawn into this neighbourhood haunt by the fluids. Even though it can get cramped, rest assured that the drinks are poured with a heavy hand. – M.O.