63. Cocktails at the Safari

26th February 2014, Mr Foggs, Mayfair, London


Having heard about Mr Fogg's as one of the best cocktail bars in London, I have always wanted to go. I clearly had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Not knowing much about the place, I just kept hearing of the amazing cocktails and uber posh clientele, I was rather surprised when I found myself walking down a dark alley way in Mayfair seemingly leading to nowhere. Other than potentially to me getting killed, raped and kidnapped. Probably not in that order.

Stumbling into three young and rather dashing men in full on 1920's style safari gear did not ease my confusion at all. After about 5 minutes of even more confusing conversation, I finally figured out that the trio was not part of some odd safari themed club out to kill innocent (oh, well...) Swedish girls who just happened to be a bit thirsty.

The most wonderful bouncers I have ever met assured me that I was not going to get sold to a trafficking league and let me through the door they were guarding.

As soon as I walked through the door, I was met by the most surreal surroundings of my life and I was at a loss for words. And for those who know me - and that hasn't happened since the launch of Outnet.com.

Bird cages for lamps, stuffed crocodiles and Jim Dale reading Around The World In 80 Days in the bathroom. I'm still amazed.

And the cocktails... Oh man, the cocktails really were fantastic. Once I had that first Trans Siberian Railway in my hand it was well worth the 12 minutes it took for the beautiful man in khakis to mix it up.

Next I spotted Chloe Green. My Made In Chelsea loving heart skipped a beat and enormous amounts of self control was required for me to not approach her and tell her I basically want to be her. Or maybe even her PA. Or maid. I'm not fussy.

I normally am quite opposed to live performances in bars and restaurants - it usually just gets quite silly and a bit too much Disney World for my liking. But when Phileas Fogg himself shows up with Jean Passepartout in tow telling tales of elephant hunts and treasures found in Calcutta, before kicking off an insect eating contest, I actually find myself absolutely loving it. Plus Mr Fogg himself popped over to give me a glass of elephant gin.

This place is splendid, just splendid. Plus I now need to read Jules Verne.

 

20 minutes in the making, 3 minutes to finish. Just my kind of drink.