Of New Adventures at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern

Exciting news, ladies and gents. There’s a new watering hole in town and it’s been launched by none other than the globe-trotting explorer, Phileas Fogg Esq.


You may have heard of Fogg’s journey around the world in eighty days, it’s been well-chronicled by the renowned author Jules Verne. You may haveĀ evenĀ had the pleasure of traversing around the world yourself… in eighty cocktails, from the luxurious comfort ofĀ Fogg’sĀ Mayfair residence (no? well, you can have a read ofĀ my adventures, here).

Anyways asĀ the story goes, Fogg’sĀ darling aunt, the actress Gertrude Fogg, recently passed away, leaving her estate to our friend Phileas, including a charmingĀ pied- Ć -terre on St Martin’s Lane, off Covent Garden… And as per her last wishes, Phileas has let theĀ vivaciousĀ Fanny McGee, Gertrude’s lifelong housekeeper, convert theĀ downstairs bitĀ into a “tavern” for herĀ friends, whilst maintainingĀ the salon upstairs as an elegant gin parlour and salon, a leisurely spotĀ for PhileasĀ and his friends toĀ retreat to!

As you can imagine, my interest was properly piqued when I received an invitation to a special preview, ahead ofĀ Mr. Fogg’sĀ Tavern officially opening its doors on 19th October….


Tavern

OurĀ enchantingĀ evening started out in theĀ Victorian tavernĀ downstairs, a lively and not-just-slightly eccentric space brimming overĀ with all kinds of wondrous artefacts and oddities.Ā As one would expect ofĀ a nineteenth century tavern, real ales, batch brews and grog areĀ served up inĀ tankards and pewter cups – perfect for washing down the hearty, wholesome fare on offer, from fish and pies to pot roast andĀ salted, smoked and preserved meats…

Tavern 2

But ifĀ more delicate gin-based cocktails whet your whistle, then my advice is to charm your way past Fanny McGee, to the elegantĀ Gin Parlour and Salon discreetly tucked away upstairs.

We were seriously impressed by the extensive selection of gins, tons, botanicals and other concoctions that greeted us upon arrival in the Parlour, manned by Fogg’s trusted lieutenant and gin-oissseur.

Gin Parlour

ComfortablyĀ plonking ourselvesĀ down on a chaise lounge in the decorous Salon, we proceeded toĀ marvel at Aunt Gertrude’sĀ trinkets and mementos from her theatrical heydays, as well as the recent additions fromĀ Fogg’s trip around the world!

Salon

A journeyĀ back to the Victorian eraĀ would be incomplete withoutĀ a sip of punch, and there’s also aĀ potent medleyĀ of nineteenth-century inspired tipples, likeĀ Phileas’ frothy Elocution Solution – Tanqueray No. Ten gin shaken with green chartreuse liqueur, basil syrup, lemon and egg white!

It was a spirited evening that flew by, but not before we raised a toast to dear Aunt Gertie, without whom none of this would have been possible.

IMG_1516

We can’t wait to revisit our old friend Phileas and new friends like Fanny McGee, at Fogg’s newĀ place of merriment!Ā As befitting the traditions of the time, we suspect we’ll also be partaking in the “Tipsy Tea” ritual over the weekend, which we’ve much enjoyed at Fogg’s Mayfair residence in the past…

Mr. Fogg’s Tavern,Ā 58 St Martin’s Lane, Theatreland, London WC2N 4EA

Mr Fogg's Tavern Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato


I was a guest of Mr. Fogg’s Tavern but as always, I hog full credit for my opinions.

All photos of the interiors Ā have also been provided by Fogg’s Tavern as I’m afraid that my iPhone wouldn’t have been able to these justice.

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