For a few hours tonight , Suzon , the French barmaid in Edouard Manet 's famous "The Bar at the Folies Bergeres " was brought to life in the shape of Coventry brewery worker Rita Froggett . For Rita was "discovered" after a nationwide search for the girl most resembling Manet's barmaid , for the 150th anniversary celebrations of the French champagne firm of Perrier-Jouet . Here Rita stands , appropriately enough , behind a bar at the Cafe Royal during the firm's celebration , while her famous likeness hangs behind her . 17th May 1962