No danger of the cocktails running out as L'etage marks grand opening with a two-day party

If you are looking for yet another excuse for a boys' night out, L'etage has just had its grand opening in Staunton Street.

The bar has a menu featuring more than 500 classic cocktails, while the basement houses a spacious cigar lounge and store offering a wide range of Cuban cigars and smoking accessories.

The partnership with Pacific Cigars has given L'etage an added attraction for customers and help pays the rent. Although it had been up and running for about two months, the bar celebrated its grand opening with a two-day party that ended yesterday.

The bar was packed on Wednesday night as guests savoured Japanese head barman Norio Hattori's signature bloody Mary and dry martini as well as foie gras canap?s. 'The bar focuses on classic recipes done well,' Hattori said. 'Everything has attention to detail - the choice of liquor, ice and everything else that's in the [cocktail] glass.'

The basement was also crowded with cigar lovers taking a puff.

Although you might expect L'etage to appeal more to the boys, Hattori said: 'You'd be surprised to see how the girls came back in packs, too.'