Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers has oepned a new location in Soho, as Phileas Fogg’s wayward half-brother Frank takes the helm of this adventurous new cocktail bar at 50 Dean Street.
The all-new Pawnbrokers 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.
My colleague Amy and I attended the all-new Mr Fogg’s bar on Friday night (March 17) and we had an enjoyable, sophisticated evening.
As we entered the fascinating bar, we were greeted with The Pawnbrokers Counter; a bar decorated with Victorian artifacts 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 was where our seating was located; this room included another bar made of vintage carpets and rugs, and features 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 and many more.
Upon arrival, I asked the waitress for a recommendation which was fruit based, and she suggested the ‘Priceless Heirloom’ which included Bombay Sapphire gin, lychee liqueur, Essentiae lemon verbena liqueur, raspberry shrub, lime juice, topped with Franklin & Sons rose lemonade – priced at £13.
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The cocktail was delicious and was given in – take a guess – an heirloom; it was presented in a 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, priced at £14.
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.
Sofas and banquette seating in rich textures and tones, feature throughout making Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers an ideal destination for groups.
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.
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.
The exterior includes the authentic pawn shop insignia and a large bay window, showcasing wares for sale, which owners say, “change seasonally”.
The atmosphere was buzzy and cheerful – it was a great, unique find for patrons who prefer a more luxurious evening.
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