The Inception Group team behind the newly opened, Mr Fogg’s Tavern on St. Martin’s Lane, have recently unveiled an eccentric Gin Parlour and Salon tucked away in the upstairs area. Accessed through a secluded side door on New Row, the Gin Parlour and Salon sits above the raucous Tavern and was once the refined parlour and salon to Phileas Fogg’s beloved late aunt and acclaimed actress, Gertrude Fogg, who left her humble abode to her nephew.
Since her passing, Phileas Fogg has announced he will keep the upstairs parlour and salon as a refuge from the folly of the Tavern below. Decorated and furnished by Gertrude herself, the refined first floor boasts wonderful views of the Noël Coward Theatre and offers a theatrical and Victorian-inspired interior featuring antiques and memorabilia from her days on the stage.
The Gin Parlour is home to London’s largest gin collection, consisting of more than 300 of the most unique, interesting and rare gins from all around the globe. The immense collection is constantly being added to and features numerous brands that even the most avid gin connoisseur has yet to discover. The Gin Parlour is filled wall-to-wall with the world-class gin collection along with an impressive array of tonics and several different botanicals, lining every inch of the Victorian-inspired room.
Friends of Mr Fogg can escape the hustle and bustle of Central London and take a respite in the Gin Parlour, which is now open for private Gin Tasting Safaris. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a range of six superb gins, botanicals and tonics. One of Mr Fogg’s expert barmen will take gin fans and connoisseurs on an hour and a half Gin Tasting Safari, where they will learn about the history, origins and tasting notes of each variety. To cap off the masterclass, guests can toast to what they have learned with a couple handcrafted G&s in Aunt Gertrude’s Salon.
Stepping in to Aunt Gertrude’s Salon next door, guests will find it is precisely how the lauded actress left it, with a large cabinet displaying antique theatrical props, wigs and old scripts, large chaise lounge, damask curtains, ornate glass chandeliers and bijoux objects. To make himself feel more at home, Mr Fogg has added some of his souvenirs from his travels, including stuffed animals, annotated maps and worldly treasures.
Guests can enjoy a leisurely reprieve in the Salon with exquisite libations and seasonal small dishes, including Quail’s Eggs, Steak Tartar & Bone Marrow on Toast, Sloe Gin Cured Salmon with Keta Caviar and Herb & Cheese Cruellers alongside a selection of sweet delicacies including Gin & Tonic Marshmallows and Jammy Jam Tarts with Clotted Cream.
On Saturdays, Aunt Gertrude’s Theatrical Tipsy Tea will be hosted in the Salon, where guests can enjoy a most intriguing and unique selection of exquisite champagne and gin teas, served alongside a selection of sweet and savoury Victorian delicacies. Guests can look forward to being dazzled by Mr Fogg’s resident magician, who will be entertaining all afternoon.