DRINK: Mrs Foggs’s Maritime Club & Distillery
The collection of bars inspired by the fictional adventurer Phileas has added another to its portfolio. Located in the Square Mile, the latest outpost is dedicated to none other than the intrepid explorer’s wife, Aouda. Quirky, huh?
Set over two floors, it’s seriously massive, with a capacity for four hundred booze-hounds; it’s also kitted out in colonial decor and has an opulent feel. On our visit we hunker down in the private drinking den known as the Rangoon Steamer, supping on cocktails including refreshing Passepartout – a blend of Hendrick’s, cucumber, lemon and a kick of pepper – and the Spicy Rupee, an exotic mix of vanilla-infused vodka, elderflower cordial, lime and chilli flakes.
Food-wise, we devour flavoursome tandoori salmon skewers and chicken biryani, where tender pieces of thigh mingle with well-spiced rice. A worthy contender for Thursday night merriment in the City. If that’s your cup of, um, cocoa.
EAT: Monsieur Le Duck
For a super-relaxed spot to have a bite to eat after a mooch around Spitalfields Market, drop in at this bright and airy spot with floor-to-ceiling glass frontage. The pop-up concentrates on the food and wine of south-west France, with a particular focus on – you guessed – all things duck.
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Options include pan-roasted breast and Barbary leg burger served with sides such seasonal greens with lardons and puy lentils with shallots.
The space is decorated with an array of quirky bird-related artwork and has a number of seating options ranging from counter tops to tables. We recommend starting with a glass of Pousse Rapière – a boozy concoction consisting of fizz and Armagnac, the brandy produced in Gascony – before ordering the confit de canard, a meltingly tender piece of meat with crisp skin.
And don’t miss their fries – a generous, perfectly salted portion. We pair with a carafe of Saint-Mont, a very drinkable red.
Go and get your quack on.
Main image: PR
