Tor Lillqvist

Maybe I need to visit some of these PMU or FDJ places next time in France.

“The idea that only the upper class can make a place attractive is nothing but class contempt dressed up as taste.”

https://www.pelliclemag.com/home/2026/2/24/patron-un-demi-on-frances-pmu-bars-and-keeping-working-class-spaces-alive

Patron, un Demi! — On France’s PMU Bars and Keeping Working-Class Spaces Alive — Pellicle

It’s noon and, since it doesn’t serve food, I expect Le Mustang in Saint-Nolff, Brittany to be almost empty when I push through the doors. The place is packed regardless. Construction workers stand together at the counter, laughing as they hold half pints in one hand and sandwiches from the neighbou

Pellicle
Mar 4 at 10:02amWeb
Show threadGrégoireMar 4
@tml If you’ve never been, I’d give a try to a couple of them.
These are definitely genuine places, but locals can be a bit off putting if you’re a stranger (not from the neighborhood that is). It really depends from place to place, usually the owner/bartender is the one that dictates the mood.
Show threadErik AblesonMar 4
@tml @temptoetiam I live next to one that (fortunately) isn’t open late and they are the best neighbors. We’ve lived through 3 different owners and they have all been the nicest people, very often with the whole family working there.