Mr Fogg's Tavern (Bar)

Top 10 things you need to know about Mr. Fogg's Tavern:

1) Sister venue to Mr. Fogg's of Mayfair, Mr. Fogg's Tavern is right beside Leicester Square and Covent Garden Tube stations, and a mere stumble from Chinatown and Soho; a good addition to a part of London that already has a competitive cocktail scene. 

2) Downstairs is a traditional Victorian pub with a rollicking atmosphere. Slug gin from tankards and pewter cups, and pretend you've travelled back in time. Upstairs, you’ll find the more salubrious Gin Parlour; a more refined affair, with plush upholstery and a theatrical feel.

3) Reservations are recommended for the Gin Parlour. To enter, look for the top-hatted gents at the back door of The Tavern.

4) Fancy yourself as a gin expert? Test your knowledge with the resident "gin-oisseur". Their website claims more than 300 gins - in fact there are 329 - mainly from boutique suppliers, with some gifts from globetrotting patrons; a worldly gin bar collection that even Phileas Fogg himself would be proud of.

5) London boasts many gin micro-distilleries – see if you can find one from your neighbourhood: Bow, Highgate, Hammersmith, Mayfair. A new use for your garden shed, perhaps?

6) Feeling overwhelmed? Rather than rely on your gin-tuition, a gin master can help you select your favourite tipple for the perfect gin and tonic. You could also go all out and try the Gin Safari, a one-and-a-half-hour lesson, gin tasting, plus two G&Ts.

7) As well as gin, there is an inventive cocktail list that continues the theatrical theme, with the menu arranged over five acts, from ‘light looseners’ to ‘strong finishers’. Helpful staff are on hand to guide you and offer suggestions.

8) Keep an eye on the menus – there are several versions containing different theatres and plays. This kind of attention to detail makes the overall experience fun, without being too gimmicky.

9) The stand-out cocktail was Inspector Fix’s Fix, recommended by the waiter. Gin-based with jalapeno-infused vermouth, mandarin puree, lemon juice, rosemary syrup and sage, it’s the right level of sweetness with enough spice for balance.

10) There is a selection of small plates, pies, charcuterie and cheese available from The Tavern’s evening Bill of Fare, in case you’re too gin-soaked to make it to dinner....read more