There’s an unusual atmosphere in London, a different mood, at least for quality-drink lovers. That’s the vibe you feel in the streets of this huge city, from suburban pubs to the renowned cocktail bars in Mayfair. Each venue, from 4pm on, draws Londoners (or new Londoners, those “adopted” by the city) to enjoy a good beer or a quality cocktail, leaving their hard day behind. Youngsters, adults, smart gentlemen and teenagers, mothers and daughters, lovers, businessmen: anyone gathers or hits London’s crowded pubs,
London by night
hotel bars and refined cocktail bars, holding a glass in their hands. For those coming from Italy, the impact is fascinating and a little confusing, as Italians asking for a Martini cocktail at 4pm at a bar in Milan or Rome would be surely labeled as alcoholic. In London, the drinking culture (beyond its negative side effects) is widespread, appreciated, popular. This difference between the two countries is the starting point of our journey across the bars of this uniquely lively colorful city. A long tour, bar after bar, that will make us discover, each month, London’s most renowned speakeasies and venues, from little-known districts to prestigious hotel bars and hidden pearls that only locals are familiar with.
Once in London, our Google map shows us thousands of little stars, the places of interest we wrote down before departing, one for each bar we want to try. Being spoilt for choice, it’s hard to decide where to start. The American Bar at Savoy Hotel made history in terms of blending, and so did its talented bartenders over the last years, with their old (Artesian, Nightjar) and new (Gibson, Oriole) creations. However,
Mr. Foggs Residence
London is still a Victorian city to our collective imagination, because of its unique architecture and aristocratic style. Such a Victorian atmosphere is perfectly embodied by the enchanting Mr. Fogg’s Residence. On December 22, 1872, Phileas Fogg – the very famous protagonist of Around The World in Eighty Days novel by Jules Verne – went back to his mansion after winning the £20,000 wager that we all know about. His house was packed with “memories” and trophies, from tiger’s skin to stuffed wolves, from travel mate portraits to the big balloon on display in the hall. Entering Mr. Fogg’s Residence today means going back to
Tispy Tea
the chaotic Mayfair from the noble picturesque world of Phileas Fogg. The cocktail bar by Simone Spagnoli & Co is in fact completely inspired by Verne’s novel. Everything recalls the book, from the authentic XIX century furniture, including a pendulum clock that still works, to chinaware, apparel (which recalls Mr Fogg’s servants) and, of course, cocktails. It is no coincidence that one of the most successful happenings of this incredible bar is the reinterpretation of the classic Sunday “Afternoon tea”, originally created by Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, around 1840. Together with pastries and a selection of canapes, Mr. Fogg’s “Tipsy Tea” offers amazing teapot cocktails that even include champagne. The actual menu of the venue is a journey around the world, recalling the novel, with fresh drinks, where sour and sweet cocktails take over, as well as more refined, stronger drinks with any sort of spirit. A unique concept that led this cocktail bar to such a success that it now works by reservation only.
Lucky for us, we booked a table on a grey London afternoon (following a wise advice) just under the balloon (which is not actually mentioned in the novel, however it is an iconic symbol of Phileas Fogg). Sipping our cocktail, a lovely variation of “whisky sour”, we realized what the main strong point of the
Phileas Fogg
venue is: atmosphere and hospitality. The service recalls Mayfair’s “members club”, the hospitality is accurate and customized, the air is lively and vibrant: visiting Mr. Fogg’s is a unique experience, topped by an astonishing view of London.
