Covent Garden is such an interesting part of London and a must-see for any visitor yet up to now, good places to eat have been rather thin on the ground. A few have sprung up in recent years and one of the most fun is Mr Fogg’s Tavern.
The story goes that the adventurer, Phileas J Fogg, the famous character from Around the World in 80 Days, inherited the Tavern on the death of his beloved aunt Gertrude. Her long-standing housekeeper, Fanny McGee, was to be permitted to set up a tavern on the ground floor whilst Mr Fogg kept the upstairs Gin Parlour & Salon to relax in.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Covent Garden
We’ve long been a fan of the original Mr Fogg’s, a speakeasy hidden away in a Mayfair mews, with a very eclectic decor. Both of the Mr Fogg’s establishments are part of the Inception group, which runs party favourites such as Bunga Bunga, Barts speakeasy and 80s themed club, Maggie’s.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern is somewhat easier to find than the Mayfair original, being located on St Martin’s Lane a stone’s throw from Leicester Square and Covent Garden piazza. It’s a handsome dark green brick building, decorated with Spring flowers and gas lamps – a taster of the unusual decor inside.
Entering the tavern, you feel like you’re in another era altogether. Vintage music is playing and the staff are dressed in period costume. The ceiling is adorned with a whole host of period artifacts. It all makes for a really unique atmosphere yet it’s not cheesy.
The menu here is good, simple pub food. It’s perfect if you’re visiting the nearby Coliseum or theaters and want a quick meal or simply a shopping pit stop. The drinks menu or compounded libations as it is artfully known, is an eclectic mix of beer, wine and cocktails.
We opted for the Sparkles from the Orchard, a refreshing concoction of pear purée apple juice, elderflower cordial and Cloys de Nouys sparkling wine.
For our starter, we shared a really flavourful venison liver parfait. It had a lovely smooth texture and the homemade chutney was the perfect accompaniment.
We had heard great things about the pies so I chose the Dedham Vale beef and bacon one for my main course. The meat was very tender and the pastry was wonderfully light.
The pies are normally served with mashed potato which I hate so they happily substituted those for some nice crispy roasties. The crispy kale was fantastic. I wonder why is it that when I cook it, it’s soggy?
Paul greatly enjoyed his main course, Dingley Dell pork belly with crackling, baked apple and roast potatoes. The pork wasn’t at all fatty but had lots of flavour and the crackling was nice and crispy.
We finished our meal in style with a chocolate brownie. It was quite dense and I’d have preferred it a little more gooey but the chocolate was very good quality. They also offer other tempting desserts such as cheesecake and a fruit crumble.
Take a look at the loos before you leave, they’re as original as the rest of the decor. The blue and white tiles are simply stunning.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern is a great place to go if you’re in Covent Garden or have friends coming from abroad who want to experience a typical British pub. We’d certainly return to try out one of their ‘tipsy teas’ in Mr Fogg’s upstairs parlour.
Like this review of Mr Fogg’s Tavern? Pin for later or share with friends if you’ve found it interesting.
You might also enjoy:
Read all our London blog posts here.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern, 58 St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4EA
What a cosy place!! Everything looks so cool
Beauty Candy Loves
Cosy cosy is definitely the word, Candice!
This is such a gem of a place – the parlour upstairs is really exquisite too, I love the jumble of oddities scattered around! xx
The parlour looked like a great place for afternoon tea or an evening cocktail
Aah keep hearing about this place Suze – it looks amazing and I hadn’t realised they do food too. This will have to be the next date night destination I think!
It’s a really fun place for a date, Shikha. I hope you enjoy it
Looks fab!:)
It certainly is, Tanja
The place is pretty chic for a tavern.
The servers costume are the cutest.
Seems like a great experience.
Have a great day!
http://www.thebandwagonchic.com/
I couldn’t resist getting a photo of our waitress, loved her outfit!
The decor is very impressive and memorable. It must have felt like stepping into a different era.
Yes and the music really added to the retro atmosphere
What a vintage dream this is totally like stepping into the past and I would feel the need to dress up accordingly when I go hahah! Thanks for sharing such an exciting place xxx
That’s a very good point, Jessica. If I go back, I’ll wear something vintage inspired
What a cool place- loving the food pics, so yummy!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Their pies are very tasty, loved mine!
I love Mr Foggs too, so quirky and original.
I know, they’ve really thrown away the rule book
Love the quirk aspect – will definitely be dropping by Mr Fogg’s next time I’m in town.
It’s such a fun place, I’m sure you’ll love it, Suzanne
Wow!! Mr Fogg’s Tavern has delicious looking food and am already salivating!! The interior decoration is also amazing! Your dress and necklace looks amazing!
www.fashionstylemogul.com
They did a great job on the design, especially that ceiling! My necklace is a vintage one from the 50s, I love retro jewellery!
I’ve been wanting to visit this place for ages! Great photos, thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
I’m sure that you’ll love it, Lauren!
The decor throughout this place looks so interesting and eclectic! Mm, there’s nothing quite so comforting as ‘feel good’ food 🙂
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
I know, I don’t have pies very often but I really enjoy them when I do!
Such a cool, well executed premise!
I know, surprised no one else thought of doing a vintage tavern before, it’s great
Ok these have to be the best toilets I’ve ever seen! That brownie is making me drool
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
They’re definitely amongst the best in London!
What a cute tavern, I love that wallpaper
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
The wallpapers is so stylish isn’t it!
I was in Covent Garden a few years ago and I remember visiting a food fair there. If I knew about Mr. Fogg’s Tavern I would have visited that too.
It’s nice to visit somewhere that has a bit of soul and character. As you say tourists and those visiting London for the first time would love it Lucy x