Indeed, an ocean, a tide of lost ancestors, a bitter benediction of the waters dividing the old life and the new.

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United waited until the hour before introducing Rooney and his return from a five-week absence was met with cheers and jeers from the Old Trafford faithful, with his bitter contract negotiations that resulted in him belatedly signing a new five-year deal still fresh in the memory.

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In the dimly lit space, complete with vintage-style wallpaper and velvet seating, the expert mixologists serve a concise menu of unusual drinks, such as the spicy yet refreshing Concombre Fumant, a mix of tequila, fresh cucumber and homemade chilli syrup, or the bitter Salers Smach, which features the old-fashioned tipple, Gentiane, made with the flower of the same name, alongside absinthe, Champagne and fresh mint.

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Although the short cocktail menu showcases unusual drinks like the Nice Legs -- made with gin, Barolo Chinato (an Italian digestive), Gentian (a bitter root) and orange peel -- many patrons will order a classic like an Old-Fashioned (bourbon whiskey, sugar, Angostura bitters, club soda and lemon peel) or leave their choice in the hands of the bartender.

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We had a young man about 24 years old who had been kicked out of his house by his mother, and he was incredibly bitter about it.

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