One man in London is tasked with keeping famed actress Gertrude Fogg’s legacy aflame. That man, Filippo Previero joins us today directly from Mr. Fogg’s Tavern in olde New Row, Covent Garden, to explain how her gift to the neighborhood has been charming punters for more than a century. (wink, wink)
All of Soho mourned when Gertrude Fogg tread the boards for the very last time. Of course, it was in her nature to think of others, even after she had passed. Thanks to her generous nephew, Phileas (Around the World in 80 Days), her dying wish of transforming her humble Covent Garden flat into a tavern downstairs and a gin parlour upstairs was fulfilled. At least, that’s how Filippo Previero tells the tale.
We discover how Filippo found the courage to take the leap onto that mongolfiera, heading west from Italy, to become a master of "Mother’s Ruin" (as gin came to be known in the 18th C) here in Londontown. Beginning his career making Negronis, Filippo was perfect for the task. Today, Head Barman Filippo reigns over the extensive Gin Parlour at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern. A few brands may have been around since the days of Hogarth, but, with over 300 different gins, they’re not just home-brewed anymore.
Ordering a G&T is an art here. Choosing from so many gins could be a bumpy road, but Filippo and his team are there to ease your own voyage of discovery through some of the best gins worldwide.
Always remember the wise words of Oscar Wilde, “All things in moderation, including moderation,” and always drink responsibly!
