Inspired by the Mayfair house that Phileas Fogg is believed to have lived in as he wrote Around The World in 80 Days Mr Fogg’s is a Victorian retreat like no other.
With its waiters dressed head to toe in bespoke, Military-style uniforms, and the drawing rooms filled with all the weird and wonderful artefacts of the period Mr Fogg picked up on his travels, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The open fire will make you feel like you’re visiting your grandparents and the live music at the piano will keep you entertained well into the early hours, while Queen Victoria over-looks the evenings’ goings on.
With walls covered in stuffed tigers and crocodiles; annotated maps and pictures from his various adventures and countless clocks to represent Mr Foggs love of punctuality, everything about this place screams decadence and eccentricity. Mr Fogg is so meticulous in his time-keeping he will only let patrons enter his abode at 5.01pm, then set travellers back on the road home after closing his doors at precisely 1.01am, so keep your eyes on them clocks.
But enough about the décor. It’s the fabulous cocktails you go to Mr Fogg’s for. Serving up everything from delicious Absinthe Aperetifs and Gin Fizzes to Stirrup Cups, Sazeracs and Pouche Cafés, they are all modern takes on classic Victorian cocktails served in Red Indian’s heads, steam trains and antique punch bowls. Liquors from all the continents date as far back as 1904, and the cocktail menu presented in a leather-bound, embossed book showcases what’s on offer. Postcards from our hero’s travels around the world will also influence some of the fortnightly cocktail specials. Suspended over the bar top are a magnificent trio of real penny farthings not forgetting the addition of the famous hot air balloon Mr Fogg used for his travels, precariously dangling above. Elephant foot stools and luggage cases make up some of the seating, with luxurious leather-backed chairs and banquettes for reclining.
A Mayfair post-work crowd has already taken to Mr Fogg’s with its charm, Victorian drama and various trinkets and treasures; it’s a more of an enchanting spectacle than just a couple of beers down the pub.
Mr Fogg’s is owned by the people behind the Berlusconi-themed bar Bunga Bunga, and the Thatcher-themed club Maggie’s, so if you’ve ever been there, you know you’re in for an extravagant and theatrical night.
Not just a wacky explorer, Phillias Fog is also a wonderful host and has extended an invitation for all to join him in his Mayfair abode for a night of festive frivolity. With traditional fun on offer such as mulled wine, Christmas carolling around the piano and a warming winter punch this is sure to be a weird and wonderful place to host a Christmas party. You can also hire the whole venue, with a maximum capacity of 150 people.
| 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, London, W1J 6JD | Transport: Green Park tube |
| Telephone: +44 020 7299 1200 | Open: Mon-Sat 17:01-1:01 |
| Dress code: ‘Informal but elegant’ | Website |
