Tucked away in a quiet alley in the trendy Gangnam district (you may have heard of it), the Seoul restaurant is a small and peaceful space, with a modern, understated decor that juxtaposes nicely with the exciting, colourful cuisine.

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Located in a chic part of the 7th arrondissement with a modern and airy decor, Coutume offers a menu of daily-changing coffees in several incarnations -- espresso, decaf and filter -- the beans for which are sourced by the owners and roasted onsite in the enormous roasting machines at the back of the shop.

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Her complex character is reflected at home where ultra-modern brushed-metal decor overlooks a natural swimming pool brimming with pond life and the chicken run at the end of the garden.

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Passengers are ensconced in comfy carriages that combine modern amenities with elegant meals and colonial-Asian decor.

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