THE PRESENT ..........

My sister, brother-in-law, husband and I have bought  each other ' stuff ' for Christmas for many years. All of the ' stuff ' has been lovely and is distributed around our homes or in our gardens but now we often buy each other consumables as we all have so much ' stuff  '!!!! ...... although, ' stuff ' is most welcome too !!!!

The above is our Christmas present for 2015, yet to be ' cashed in ' .....

' World renowned Adventurer, Phileas J. Fogg of  ' Around the World in 80 Days ' fame, having opened the doors to his Mayfair Residence, received the sad news of the passing of his beloved Aunt, the famous actress Gertrude Fogg.

He was made the sole beneficiary to her estate, including her enchanting pied-à-terre, located at 58, St. Martin's Lane.

It was decreed in the will that Fanny McGee, Aunt Gertrude's lifelong housekeeper, be permitted to set up a jovial tavern for her friend's and theatrical acquaintances downstairs.

Greeted by a raucous welcome, guests can revel in real ales, ' mother's ruin ' gin cocktails and grog, in traditional tankards and pewter cups. Weary travellers will be able to tuck into honest fare including ' London's Finest Pie ' and roast of the day sandwiches all day and night.

' Don't hang about ducky !! We aint got time for no time-wasters and dawdlers ' !!

Mr. Fogg, on the other hand, has kept the upstairs Gin Parlour & Salon to relax with companions away from the hustle and bustle.

For the more discerning ladies and gentlemen, we recommend visiting Aunt Gertrude's Salon upstairs. 132 gins, 14 tonics and a plethora of complimenting botanicals await you.

So, we will, at a date to be arranged, step into the past and partake in some refreshment at Mr Fogg's Tavern, and sample some of the above cocktails on offer.... there are 80 to choose from !! There are many other delights on offer including a Gin Safari, Tipsy Tea with Champagne and Gin teas and .....

.....  Mr Fogg's Hendrick's Winter Botanical Gardens, where one can pause and indulge in thoroughly resplendent repose. Here is a sanctuary, an oasis of calm, a sanctum of imperturbability. Whispers and rumours tell stories of Hendrick's as a most unusual gin, infused with rose petals and cucumber, a gin made oddly some might say. A haven of flora and fauna, guaranteed to send your taste buds into bloom.  

..... and then, after the delights of the tavern, a saunter to Pix Pintxos for some delightful treats !

A glorious Christmas present, I think you'll agree ?!! I will tell you all about it after our visit. 

images 1 & 2: via MW, image 3: via pinterest, image 4: via pretty vacant pirate, image 5: via tomato, image 6: via hyhoi, image 7: via the foodie diaries, images 8 & 9: via bar magazine,  image 10: collage images via urbanologies, inception group, drink up london,google, image 11: via es. paperblog