PUB OF THE MONTH

This month we feature Ballyroan, Paris. It's officially the city's top pub, in as far as altitude is concerned, as it is located at Paris' highest point, Le Butte de Montmarte. Located just behind Le Sacre Coeur the pub has a fine terrace on the corner of a typical bustling Montmartre side street: artists, artists and more artists. That's the place from Moulin Rouge and Amelie Poulin for those of you who have yet to hit the hill.

Opened three years ago by Liam Porisse, the pub is named after his mother's birthplace in County Laois. The staff is a mix of mainly Irish boys and girls with a French man or two who might as well be Irish. Just recently a fine Viking of a man, Nils Torngen, who is already renowned for his cosmopolitan charisma and professional Zen among the Irish establishments in Paris, has taken charge of the team. That's a bit of a coup for Liam as Nils is kind of a Desailly meets Keane acquisition as far as top quality managers go.

Speaking of footie and sporting events, Ballyroan is fully equipped with Sky Sports. There's live music from Friday to Sunday with a different group each evening, ranging from Peader and his legendary interactive gig and Kwak and their alternative classics repertoire to Paul Francis, the 21rst Century troubadour. The gigs kick off at around 9pm. Food wise, Ballyroan has just changed their menu to include all Irish produce: from Stew and salmon, fish and chips, bangers and mash and a full Irish Breakfasts and Brunches.

Click here to visit their website on Irish France.