A new bar in an ancient village

One of the highlights of our visit to the medieval village of Rodemack (Lorraine’s little Carcassonne) was stumbling over a barn conversion with a difference. Tucked away in a back street, it’s a mix of old stonework and contemporary wood, with an eclectic mix of tables and seating to appeal to all ages.

Georges has spent his spare time over the past seven years converting this old building into a place that locals will feel comfortable in whether young or old, because, incredibly for a French village, there was no bar before this opened. Being newly opened, no smoking is allowed inside (established bars will have to toe the line by the end of 2007), but there’s a terrace in the back garden for those in need. And also being new, it is accessible to all – no tricky steps or narrow doors.

Georges has obviously enjoyed creating unique designs – the bar itself is a beautiful mix of different woods; he’s made all the table tops himself from different materials, and his glass-topped tables are works of art. One contains a display of shells and stones from Brittany beaches; the other has a poultry theme (not too sure why) with proverbs, lyrics and jokes. Perhaps that’s why – they’re a source of inspiration. How about this French saying: If you have chicken skin, you need feathers. Lost in translation? Chicken skin=goose pimples.

The background music is familiar – Celtic – not Irish as we first thought, but from Quebec and Brittany (reflecting Georges’ roots). He’s planning to get his musician friends along once the bar’s established….

As Georges has a day job, ‘La Grange à georges’ is only open at certain times:

Wednesday evenings (7pm-1.30am)
Friday afternoons and evenings (1pm-1.30am)
Saturday all day and night (10am-1h30am)
Sundays (10am-8pm)

If you get the chance to go, and it’s quiet, ask to see his recumbent that he designed himself – and check out the front wheel drive.