Reviews Mr Fogg's Residence

A few weeks back I was invited to Mr Fogg's 5th-anniversary party, can you believe that it has been 5 whole years of Mr Fogg's gracing us with their innovative cocktails and theatrics? I was super excited to attend as I have not been to their Mayfair branch yet, and I absolutely love their gin parlour in Covent Garden.

One of the reasons why I enjoy going to Mr Fogg's is the dramatics of the bar. It is full of historic trinkets and artefacts from the Victorian explorer. From a stuffed parrot to a hot air balloon, if the mouth quenching cocktails do not entice you, the décor of the restaurant will.

I arrived at the anniversary party, just after 7 pm as I was running late from work. When I arrived, the celebrations were already in full swing with live entertainment playing at the front of the bar.

Mr Fogg's were offering liberations of Hendricks Gin, however, I was still supporting my commitment to dry January, so I would have to try a non-alcoholic drink. I could literally cry my eyes out because the drink choices sounded like just what I needed after a long day of work. However, I made an oath to go 31 days without alcohol and I was sticking to it.

Therefore, I chose the temperate liberations, a choice of refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails. There were two choices; Berry Straight & Narrow and Red Herring. My favourite had to be Red Herring, which is a mixture of rhubarb with apple juice, fresh lime juice, rose water, agave syrup and citrus foam. From the first sip, the citrus foam graced my mouth, tasting and tangy but refreshing taste, all it needed was a little shot of gin.

The second non-alcoholic drink was the Berry straight & Narrow, which was made from raspberry and blackberry puree, cranberry juice, fresh lime juice, topped with ginger ale. I also loved this mocktail but was a little on the sweeter side. This was the first time, during my dry January period that I actually enjoyed a mocktail, as the mocktails at Mr Fogg's are so imaginative.

I seem to become the Boozy Bunch Afternoon Tea Auntie  … the BBATA? Maybe not a good acronym.  This time we went for one that is a little bit different from the usual ones you can get around London. Themed Afternoon Tea has become fashionable, but they are fairly expensive. As it was my birthday, I allowed myself this indulgence.  A friend and I went to visit Mr Fogg at his residency in Mayfair to have Tipsy Tea: Cocktails and sandwiches. I’ve been here before and loved them for their amazing cocktails. Reservations are absolutely vital, as you may not get into the Residence without one. The main room is made up with a weird and wonderful “fake” travel collection. There are bikes on the ceiling, plus bird cages, also stuffed animals, stretched out furs and strange things in bottles. It’s a vision of a Victorian explorer’s curiosity-filled townhouse. (BTW if you want to see the real thing visit Sir John Soane’s Museum.  I really hope not everything in Mr Fogg’s residence is as it seems. There are stools and tables that looked like they were made out of elephant feet, but with closer inspection it turned out they were fake. I know the Victorians had no reservations against things like that (I worked in auction and have seen lots of strange Victorian stuff made out of animal parts), but just because the Victorians did it doesn’t mean we have to.

Half flee-market, half Gulliver's tavern, Mr Foggs' sure is amongst London's most fascinating bars. 

I could just spend hours inspecting all the wonders covering the walls, the ceiling, the shelves. But since the whole thing also comes with a really well-stocked bar (including the owner's own gin, VII Hills), you might as well do it with a lovely cocktails in your hand.

What a fantastic, uber cool place to go for a few drinks with friends. Make sure you book. It was very busy last night. I loved the ambience here. It spoke to me of prohibition and the early 20th century. Until you look at the bar that is. There can't possibly have been that much choice or that much innovation in cocktail making during prohibition. The menu theme is around the world in 80 days and it is organised by drink type making it slightly easier to choose from the extensive menu. Some of the drinks sound like strange combinations but these are well-crafted and balanced - certainly not just slapped together so flavours like whisky, beer, pear and lychee somehow all work together despite sounding odd. This is a bar you have to try at least once if this even vaguely sounds like your thing.

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea” – Henry James. Few indeed. 

And so, I spent a very idyllic and agreeable hour (or two) on a lazy Friday afternoon, catching up with a friend over Tipsy Tea at the eccentric but but oh-so-charming home of Phileas Foggs Esq., the (fictional) British adventurer brought to life by Jules Verne.

Warmly greeted at the entrance by a top hat-wearing gentleman clad in a Dragoon-uniform, we were led through Fogg’s grand drawing room adorned with memorabilia and other treasures amassed on his exploits, from a hot-air balloon to antique tiger skins and stuffed crocodiles.

Any scepticism we may have held about alcoholic tea (particularly champagne tea!) was quickly dispelled upon sipping the aperitif that was served as we settled in. Presented with intriguing options, we ultimately chose well with the “Belvoir Castle” – a delicious infusion of jasmine tea, Tanqueray No. TEN gin, rose liqueur, pomegranate juice and cherry puree, topped with champagne. And the delightfully refreshing “Woburn Abbey”, English breakfast infused gin steeped in a teapot with crème de bergamot, lemon juice and bee pollen.

Accompanied by what can only be described as a scrumptious selection of sandwiches (they were kind enough to bring out a separate vegetarian selection for me), cakes and pastries – the pistachio cake especially went down a treat, as did the rich yet moist brownie!

What we really loved was the hearty feel to the eats, as all-too-often the focus at tea is on aesthetics and a delicate presentation, but with flavour and substance lost somewhere in the process.

A welcome reprieve from the banalities of every-day life, we found Tipsy Tea at Mr Fogg’s a captivating experience and one we would gladly repeat.

Mr Fogg's has been high on my "must visit in London" list for quite a while, but every time I wanted to go there was some reason I couldn't! Either I was ill or in France or never quite found the time, so when I was invited to their Wimbledon Soiree on Tuesday I jumped at the chance! . To be honest, I nearly missed it again as Abellio Greater Anglia don't run a great service on my line into London which meant that I was running hugely late. Rant over, back to the fun and games!

Naturally the room has been designed to portray fictional world-traveler Phileas Fogg's home, and what with my social circle being in the world of London's Clubland where Fogg's wager took place (in the Reform Club, no less), I felt right at home. Dark woods, old Chesterfield's, and a buzzing atmosphere made for a delightful afternoon. Mina and I feasted on a unique afternoon tea of fig and walnut sandwiches (the best sandwiches ever), pistachio cakes, and raspberry and passionfruit macarons. Our 'Tipsy Tea' for the afternoon were a mixture of cocktails infused with tea. I opted for

You may know Mr Fogg, he of Around the World fame. Well, did you know he has opened up his residence in the heart of Mayfair to the masses? Oh yes, you are cordially invited to pop round and spend some time in his fabulous parlour whenever you feel the urge, or call in advance for an appointment. Phileas himself is rarely there (always off on adventures I suppose) but his staff are very happy to look after you.

On a wintry night in December, after a chilly evening having a bite at the Montague Gardens Alpine lodge we decided to see what wondrous home Fogg had for ourselves. The door is discreet and as I wandered up to the door to ring the bell it suddenly opened, almost knocking me down the stairs. We were asked if we wished to eat or drink and after confirming just drinks, we were lead into the cosy bar. If you can conjure an image of a Victorian explorer’s dwellings then you will have a very good idea of what the place looked like. Beasts’ heads, parachutes, old-fashioned bikes and other Victoriana adorn the walls. There is barely a space left of wall, as one might not be if such an explorer kept bringing home mementos of his travels. The rest of the décor is slightly fussy but grand as you would expect:dark colours and wood.

The place is mainly about cocktails and the menu is extensive and, indeed, expensive. If you have cash to splash then there are cocktails here for £20 or indeed much more if you choose from the authentic vintage section. We tried to pick things that wouldn’t hurt our wallets too much but could only really afford to stay for two each. They had a Christmassy special menu on when we went so I had one off there, and then a whiskey based one from the normal menu. The cocktails were definitely very good, though I don’t know if they were £13 worth of good, so a couple of points deducted for that.

Beautiful cocktails, eclectic environment, and impeccable service. Mr Foggs is tucked away just off Berkeley Square, and was a great choice for pre-dinner cocktails with visitors from America. Be prepared to spend in the region of £12 a drink but remember that you're in the heart of Mayfair and in this instance the quality really is worth it. The bar itself is themed on 'Around the World in 80 days', and is worth exploring a little. I'd strongly advise booking as it gets very busy, space is limited, and they refuse to compromise by over filling the place once capacity is reached. Not good for the every day budget, but perfectly suited when you want to go somewhere a little more interesting without compromising quality for gimmick.

Oh so hidden away, down one of Berkeley squares many alleys, a lovely little slice of 19th century fiction. Excellent cocktails, all taste no gimmicks here, but hefty price tags - upto 25 quid for some, I kid you not. But if money is no object and you plan to be in the area, get a table and a three tier sandwich stand and order away, the drinks are well worth it. Excellent service as well, the only niggle is the price... I mean, really? :) whiskey snapper for me please...mmm delish!!

Someone I know has a date tonight, and was planning to head out in Mayfair, seeking out a bar that was nice but nothing too fancy schmansy, something quirky too. Different. Of course, they asked me for recommendations (who wouldn’t?) and in a heartbeat, I had just the place.

Bruton Lane is probably the grimmest part of Mayfair, winding its way off the South-Eastern corner of Berkeley Square. If you head down there, you’ll come across Mr. Fogg’s, but keep your eyes peeled because the place is missable, with only a couple of windows, invitingly glowing away, and an immaculately tailored doorman to give you clues that something special may be here. Hell, the place isn’t even on Streetview yet.

I was out the other night, and was practically ordered to go here by someone who knows their stuff when it comes to exotic locales. As soon as I walked in through the door (bookings recommended, though not essential, as Mr. Fogg’s remains, as of October 2013, largely undiscovered), I knew I wouldn’t regret it. The doormen takes your umbrella. You’re introduced to the host. They take you to your table, or quiet corner with stools, and leave you with a pot of nuts and a cocktail list. The menu is as thick as Jules Verne’s 1873 novel Around the World in Eighty Days which, if you hadn’t guessed by now, is the inspiration behind Inception Group’s latest baroque bar (they also own Maggie’s, where Baroness Thatcher’s speeches play in the bog).

It’s a good job that they do leave you for a while because a) the menu takes a fair amount of perusal and b) Mr. Fogg’s is simply a stunning place to be. You’re likely to either be sat in something plush, on something leather, or near a Union Jack or other assorted Victorian curios, which relentlessly nods to our eponymous hero (if you believe the blurb, this the actual building where Phileas Fogg called home). From where we were sat, I was able to clearly see an alligator on the wall, an old globe, an oversized birdcage or four, I could go on. An audiobook of Verne’s novel plays in the toilets.

But what of the drinks? Well, they’re not cheap for a start. A fair few are made with ‘premium’ sprits, which for a bar in Mayfair, seemingly reliant on the Hedge Fund after-parties, means that certain drinks can reach up to thirty quid a pop, (maybe more as the menu is so large I skipped a few pages). Expect to pay £fifteen per drink for most of the menu, but the composition of the the drinks are exceptional, as are the choice and range of ingredients and brands (where else uses Old Tom gin anymore?!) and whereas most cocktails have a distinctly Olde Worlde or Victorian twist, the flavours are on the money and you’re going to be sorted whether you like sweet or sharp, long or short. I had one which seemed to be a mixture of everything, a touch of gin, a smash of berry and a dribble of Absinthe. Cannot remember what it was called – I was too busy gazing at a model hot air balloon hanging rom the ceiling.

Mr. Fogg’s is one of the most unusual and incredible bars I have seen in ages, bursting to the seams with that whimsical and romantic vision of Victorian eccentricity, right down the faultless staff who remain in character throughout your visit, though being personable and welcoming enough to recommend drinks and assist your own epic voyage through the cocktail list. The servers are numerous and therefore move beyond mere attentiveness, inching into the echelons of good old fashioned chivalry, doing things like keeping your co-drinker company if you feel like listening to some more book in the lavatory.

I reckon this place will make a great evening for my mate. She’ll either leave arm-in-arm with her date, giddy with Victorian romanticism, or at the very least, pissed and a bit more cultured.

Full review at http://www.thefunkytruth.com/2013/11/02/discerning-drinking-ch32-giving-it-some-ankle-at-mr-foggs/

What a gem in the heart of Mayfair. Off the beaten track, so you might need to use Google maps or equivalent to find. If you love Victoriana and Around the World in 80 Days, then you're going to love this place! Drinks are reasonably priced for the experience you will have. Not excessive for London but some will find it expensive. You are, however, paying for a unique experience and best for a celebration treat for most. You only have a table for 2 hours, so there's time to experience a couple of cocktails. Will definitely recommend and return.

I love the Mr. Fogg's bars so much. This was the second location we tried. The ambience cannot be beat! The immersion went all the way to the bathrooms where they were even playing the Around the World in 80 Days audio book. I'm just so sad we don't have these bars in the US. I will have to wait til my next trip to London to try another one.

I went there for the Murder Mystery experience and it was brilliantly done. I research in Interactive Narratives, and this one found a great balance narrative control and player engagement. The iconic Mr. Fogg decor is flawless. Great experience.

Went here for cocktails I had 2 8th wonders and a Rob Roy, both were nice. The decor was nice but service was a bit slow but we still had a great time 👍🏼

Absolutely fantastic experience at Mr. Fogg's Residence! The service was impeccable - the staff were attentive, and the drinks were spot-on. I tried out the cocktail they created for London Cocktail Week, as well as the Pearl of the Orient, and they were possibly the best we've ever had. Highly recommended not only for the cocktails but also for the atmosphere and the overall experience.