While in London, we did more than just traditional afternoon tea. We did something that was different, unique, boozy, and most of all, fun! I discovered a yummy afternoon tea with cocktails at this spot, which is actually one of many Mr. Fogg’s interesting locations. They have several “adventurous bars transporting you back to the Victorian era.”
So, who is Mr. Fogg? Well, the story goes on 1872, Phileas J. Fogg, Esq. set out for a journey around the world, which he was determined to complete in 80 days. No one thought he could do it, but yet, he sure did! Some explorer he is… So, at most (if not all) at his establishments, you can glance at his legendary collections from around the world. We visited one of his bars, serving selection of worldly libations. They have a life-size Victorian steam train in the inside as well. Curious and excited, we headed over for some interesting experience! There was a stylish doorman (?) manning the entrance, ensuring only the serious explores, travelers, scientists and other like-minded people can enter.
It was right around Halloween when we visited, and the inside was very much in the mood for spooky fun. It was roomy and lounge-y, but the lighting was so very red… Well, it was either red or green, with loads of spider webs everywhere to enhance the mood.
I am not sure if they usually keep it this red, but it sure was interesting… It made it difficult to really see what things are in the rooms, I don’t know if I have ever been in a room with such strong red light…
The bar area didn’t have too much of the strong red lighting. In the red light, you can’t really see other colors, as the red color is so strong. I am sure it is not helpful for the bartenders to create cocktails where they can’t really see ingredients clearly. In such darkness and strange red light, I completely forgot to check out the train carriage, since I really couldn’t see it. I am so sad!!! I just have to visit them again the next time we are in London, and make sure to check it out then.
Anyways, we were there with a mission. A true, important mission, to explore a pursuit of revolutionary innovation called Cream Cakes and Cocktails (£27/person). It includes one cocktail of your choice.
Speaking of cocktails, they had lots of offer, and yes, inspired from all over the world! I really liked the menu! It was not easy to choose which cocktail to order.
And here is our tiers of cute Cream Cakes! I apologize for all the photos in advance, it is not easy to take photos in deep red lights… I did my best!
For cocktails, we each ordered a different cocktails from different region. My hubby went with Valley of Silence from Mount Everest, made with Bombay Sapphire gin, sake, milk & vanilla mirin, fresh lime juice, and egg white. He does love a cocktail with egg white for sure… It had great aroma, sweet and a bit syrup-y.
I went with Rebellious Nature from Grand Canyon, made with Enemigo 89 Añejo Cristalino tequila, raw bee pollen syrup, and fresh lime juice. It tasted like a spiked lemonade, super tasty! It was creamy too, which was nice. It came in a heavy golden cup with one large ice cube. Our friend went with Feast of the Sun from Machu Picchu, made with Grey Goose L’Original vodka, passion fruit & purple carrot wine, and Rekorderlig mint & rhubarb cider. To our surprise, the rim was coated with bitter chocolate, which was cool! It balanced out the sweetness of the drink really well.
The first sweet was Cheesecake. It had traditional, vanilla cheesecake flavor. Even though it was dense and moist, it felt light. It had half blueberry and half cherry on top.
Next one was Victoria Sponge with Jam & Cream. It was more solid than I expected. The sponge was rich, with nice strawberry jam and cream.
Then a Blueberry Muffin, which was interesting, since I don’t view muffing as “cake” somehow. It looked plain and simple, but it was nice and soft, moist and tasty!
Chocolate Brownie was very chocolatey, but didn’t feel too heavy. It had a high quality chocolate flavor.
Last but not least, Classic Scone. It was tiny and a bit dry…which was disappointing. But, the flavor was good with a hint of sweetness. Clotted cream and jam were nice.
Since we enjoyed our cocktails, we decided to try something else. I ordered Rapa Nui (£12.50) from Easter Island, made with Bacardi Cuatro Añejo rum, Grand Marnier orange liqueur, fresh grapefruit, banana, and lemon thyme. My hubby went with Rising Tides (£13) from Great Barrier Reef, made with Copper Dog Scotch whisky, Aperol aperitif, and homemade bergamot ginger ale.
Rapa Nui was strong, I could definitely taste the bitters. It had a nice sweetness from the rum. It had charred wheat (?) on the top. Rising Tides had loads of kick to it from ginger, and quite strong! It was topped with a rice cake, drizzled in chocolate with a bit of salt, crispy fun!
The hallway to the bathroom and inside the bathroom was about the only areas that had normal lighting. It was nice to be able to see the surrounding without difficulty. And, it was really pretty and interesting! The bathroom was a nice size, very colorful.
It had kind of an antique-wallpaper-feel to it, fun bathroom for sure. Clean, well-lit, and organized.
The service was great, warm and helpful. She explained how it works, and everything else you want to know. She gave us a good recommendations on drinks also. The interior had lots of cool, interesting items, but unfortunately, we couldn’t really see much of anything with the strong red lighting. I would like to go back when they have “normal” lighting so that I can really appreciate everything that they have going on in there…
Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration – 1A Bedford St, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom