Mr Fogg's Tavern, Covent Garden, WC2

A prominent street corner pub, it has recently undergone a refurbishment and re-opened under a different name. It is run by the same team behind a few others bars around the capital, most seeming to be a little on the quirky side including one in a disused underground station. The pub is split in to two consisting of a more regular pub downstairs which was very busy on a recent Friday evening visit and a gin bar upstairs. We opted for the upstairs gin bar, and this is where it starts to get a bit quirky. Access is via a closed door, and on knocking we were asked by a rather odd gentleman if we had an invitation. As we didn’t, we then got asked if we had a pocket watch. Eventually after some further discussion we were admitted and met by another gentleman who was clearly continuing the Alice in Wonderland theme being dressed in a Mad Hatter’s outfit. He then introduced us to the mixologist who explained that they currently had around 270 gins on offer but were looking to expand this. After some discussion as to our likes and preferences, four surprisingly different G&T’s were rustled up, with the ice cubes being hewn by hand from a single large block. Various combinations of botanicals were also added including star anise and peppercorns. To be fair to the guy, he did seem to know what he was talking about, and as I had said that I normally drink cider he used a gin that was made with cider apples and even had a slice of apple in it rather than the more usual lemon, lime or cucumber. Décor wise it’s suitably quirky with something of an old gentleman’s club feel to it including a stuffed deer’s head and old pictures on the wall. At £48.95 for four G&T’s it’s certainly not the cheapest place, but if you like your gin and fancy something rather different, then give it a go. I'm glad we did.

Official site of Mr Fogg's Tavern - mr-foggs.com

Official site of Mr Fogg's Tavern - mr-foggs.com

Small bar and not very busy for a Saturday night but fast efficient bar staff.4 handpumps with beers from Alchemy and Gloucester which were very nice.Will be back as its around the corner from the Harp.