Located just a stone's throw from Charing Cross station, where Phileas Fogg and his trusty valet, Passepartout set off on their voyage, Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration, brought to the West End by Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling’s Inception Group, is a hub of travel and adventure where fearless and death-defying voyages are plotted and planned. A place of true wonder and experimentation, guests are able to participate in the making of their drinks themselves, using an innovative machine inspired by famous inventor Rube Goldberg, whereby the pressing of a button triggers a chain reaction, allowing visitors to feel completely immersed in the experience.
Guests start their journey in an elegant lobby complete with a large rotating globe marking each place visited by the fearless pair and which modes of transport they took. As the Mr Fogg's adventure continues downstairs, visitors encounter cabinets of curiosities and souvenirs handpicked by fellows of the explorer society. Guests will marvel at a life-size model of a Victorian Orient Express, complete with period banquette seating and shining brass lamps. Wooden panelling lines the main bar area, where shelves stand laden with travel books and encyclopedias, and leather armchairs sit waiting to welcome weary travellers. Guests will behold walls lined with portraits of Mr Fogg's fellow intrepid explorers and their brave tales will be recounted at regular Society meetings. The downstairs Map Room houses a vast collection of antique and modern-day maps, and hosts regular events including cocktail masterclasses, global drinking adventures and spirit safaris.
Mapped out in front of guests in the form of an explorer's journal, the multi-sensory and immersive menu includes nine chapters, each focusing on one extraordinary area of the Earth, ranging from ancient man-made creations to wonders of the natural world. Drinkers will be taken on a journey over the vast dunes of the Sahara Desert, diving to the depths of The Great Barrier Reef and experiencing the sub-zero temperatures of The North Pole. Mouth-watering sharers include The Sheep Wheel, a reproduction of a ship’s helm and The Bombay Sapphire Rube Goldberg Machine.
Society co-founder and keen traveller, Charlie Gilkes says of the new venue: “It’s been five years since we opened our first Mr Fogg’s, we’re thrilled to add a fifth venue to the collection and look forward to welcoming anyone with a love of travel, cocktails, or both to Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration!”
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration is located at 1a Bedford Street, London.
