Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers has set up shop in Soho, with the fictional Phileas Fogg’s wayward half-brother Frank taking the helm of this adventurous new cocktail bar at 50 Dean Street.
As the elabroate backstory goes, following Fogg’s new found fame, Frank has launched a pawnbrokers to capitalise on the family name and newly acquired artefacts from around the world.
Inspired by the rich history of Soho and Victorian era pawn shops, the eighth member of the Mr Fogg’s family showcases unique and eclectic cocktails served in inventive vessels from Ming-style vases to jewellery boxes.
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My colleague Amy and I attended the all-new Mr Fogg’s bar on a Friday night and we had an enjoyable, novelty-filled evening.
As we entered the fascinating bar, we were greeted with The Pawnbrokers Counter; a bar decorated with Victorian artefacts and keepsakes.
I couldn’t help but admire the quirky settings; there were jewels, gold, and antiques scattered around the bar with many people enjoying their chosen cocktails for the evening.
We were taken to The Textiles Room which contained another bar made of vintage carpets and rugs, and featured a ceiling draped in materials sourced from across the globe.
Amy and I were completely blown away with the cocktails on the menu – there were options from each continent with origins traced from Greece, Italy, China, India, North America, Morocco among other fars-flung locations.
Upon arrival, I asked the waitress for a fruit-based recommendation and ended up with the Priceless Heirloom - Bombay Sapphire gin, lychee liqueur, Essentiae lemon verbena liqueur, raspberry shrub, lime juice, topped with Franklin & Sons rose lemonade.
The cocktail was delicious and served in – take a guess – an heirloom ming-style vase with a rose petal perched on top.
For our second round, I chose the Renaissance Icon which included Tanqueray No. TEN gin, Aperol aperitif, Campari aperitif, blend of vermouth, topped with Crodino non-alcoholic aperitif and sparkling white foam.
I am a bit of a slacker when it comes to strong drinks and this one fit that criteria; but luckily Amy is a trooper, and she swapped her delicious lemon-based cocktail with mine.
Classic cocktails were also available, including The Passepartout with Hendrick’s gin, fresh cucumber, fresh lemon juice, sugar, egg white and black pepper.
The ceiling of Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers acts as a focal point, with a vast array of pendant lights and accoutrements from Mr Fogg’s travels at varying heights, and sofas and banquette seating in rich textures and tones feature throughout.
Menus are printed in miniscule font, as well as extra-large, and accompanied by a jeweller’s loupe, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the valuation techniques of 19th century pawnbroking.
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The exterior includes the authentic pawn shop insignia and a large bay window, showcasing wares for sale, which owners say, change seasonally.
All in all, Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers was buzzy and cheerful, with lots of novelty and embelishments to entertain and amuse.
Address: 50 Dean Street, Soho W1D 5BQ
Website: mr-foggs.com
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