A destination for gin and cocktails can be found hidden above Mr Fogg’s Tavern in London
An “eccentric” gin parlour has been created in the bar tucked away above Mr Fogg’s Tavern in St Martin’s Lane in London’s Covent Garden. Accessed through a side door on New Row, the Gin Parlour and Salon claims the distinction of having London’s largest gin collection, consisting of more than 300 unique, interesting and rare gins from all around the globe.
The collection, which is constantly being added to, is complemented by an array of tonics and several different botanicals. To help guests navigate the vast expanse of choice, the bar offers private Gin Tasting Safaris where people can sample a range of six superb gins, botanicals and tonics. Led by a bartender, it covers the history, origin and tasting notes for each variety, culminating in some well-crafted G&Ts.
Like the relatively more raucous Mr Fogg’s Tavern downstairs and the original Mr Fogg’s in Mayfair, the Victorian-style interior takes inspiration from the story of Phileas Fogg, the explorer in Jules Verne’s classic novel Around the World in Eighty Days. The gin bar is said to have been created out of the refined parlour and salon of Phileas Fogg’s beloved late aunt and acclaimed actress, Gertrude Fogg, who left her home to her nephew in her will. With views across to the Noël Coward Theatre opposite, it offers a theatrical interior featuring antiques and memorabilia from her days on the stage.
The bar includes Aunt Gertrude’s Salon – a room with a large cabinet displaying antique theatrical props, wigs and old scripts, a large chaise longue, damask curtains, ornate glass chandeliers and bijoux. These are joined by souvenirs from Phileas Fogg’s travels, including stuffed animals, annotated maps and worldly treasures.
Bar food available in Aunt Gertrude’s Salon includes quail’s eggs, steak tartar and bone marrow on toast, sloe gin-cured salmon with Keta caviar, and herb and cheese crullers alongside a selection of sweet delicacies including gin and tonic marshmallows and jammy jam tarts with clotted cream.
On Saturdays, the Salon hosts Aunt Gertrude’s Theatrical Tipsy Tea where guests can enjoy a selection of champagne and gin teas served alongside sweet and savoury Victorian-style delicacies. They are also entertained by Mr Fogg’s resident magician.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern opened last year, the eighth project from Charlie Gilkes’ and Duncan Stirling’s Inception Group. It is designed as a Victorian-style pub to complement the original cocktail bar Mr Fogg’s which opened in Bruton Lane nearly three years ago – now referred to as Mr Fogg’s Residence.
Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour and Salon, 1 New Row, London WC2N 4EA
Tel: 020 7581 3992
www.mr-foggs.com
