Review: Mr Fogg's quirky Mayfair bar for novelty night out

This is just one of the playful ‘bar rules’ banded about when you are treated to a theatrical night out at fictional Victorian adventurer Phileas Fogg’s residence.

For when calling at the lavish home of the hero of Around the World in 80 Days, the visitor is invited to play the part too and become a guest of Jules Verne’s imagination.

A valet greets you and pulls at the old-fashioned door bell, before leading you to a room stuffed with collectors’ items from across the continents – designed to prove to Fogg’s wagerers at the Reform Club that his globe-trotting feat had been completed.

Even the cocktail list acts as literature itself with tales of each tipple and how it was discovered.

A hot air balloon basket embroidered with Fogg’s initials fills one corner, while colonial treasures including animal hides litter the walls, and a centrepiece globe opens up to reveal a punchbowl.

The low-lighting, soft jazz and seats around converted-trunk tables aid conversation and lull you into easy, convivial story-swapping.

We sank back and sampled a Passepartout cocktail – named after Fogg’s manservant – a creamy blend of Hendricks gin, nettle cordial, egg white, cucumber and black pepper.

Followed by a heady Winston and Albert - mixed with Evan Williams Bourbon, fig jam, Domaine Dupont Calvados, and Benedictine.

The Mayfair bar is the latest venture of Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling who masterminded other novelty night hotspots including Bunga Bunga and Maggie’s.

While it does not bode for a cheap night out, the venue is an experience to savour along with the classic Victorian cocktails.

To find out more about the bar in Bruton Lane visit mr-foggs.com