Belvoir Farm Autumn Showcase at Mr Fogg’s: Welcome to our Wild

There is something so irresistibly magical about autumn. The changing of the leaves from green to speckled orange. The pumpkin spice lattes, and the comforting snoodies. Halloween, and its bellowing trick or treaters. The scent of cinnamon mingling with the precursor to winter-pine. Though we might be on the cusp of winter, autumn still has one final hurrah. And what is that I hear you ask? Why only the event of the season. Belvoir Farm’s magical immersive botanical cocktail party, in all its glory. My Soho Times was invited to join in the fitting setting of Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals, Fitzrovia. Ana De Jesus shares more…

I remember the taste of elderflower cordial from several years ago; sharp yet sweet, poured into quaint teacups. I’d recognise that brand anywhere; Belvoir Farm (pronounced Beever), carefully curated from the goodness of nature. A sustainable soft drink and cordial brand, that was oh so refreshingly real. A love affair that would be reignited all these years later, the minute I stepped into Mr Fogg’s. 

True to its name, The House of Botanicals is a love letter to nature. Spindling plants caressing wooden staircases. The Treehouse upstairs is abundant with multi-coloured florals, cascading from the ceiling. It was a tale between two aesthetics: the realness of nature meets quintessential English elegance. 

Belvoir Farm had cracked the code with their choice of venue! 1,2,3, the welcome drinks were here, eagerly placed into waiting hands. A flute that they excitedly called Purple Fizz, with a healthy glug of Empress 1908 Gin and Belvoir Farm Botanical Soda floral fizz. It went down a treat. An ushering quiet that resounded around the room, as we found out our fate. 

Terrarium Workshop with Jar and Fern

We were split into three groups to begin an evening of autumnal activities. The first? A terrarium masterclass courtesy of Jar and Fern, bringing a bit of the outdoors in. Just a few steps away, in a peaceful green room this interactive workshop was an incredibly healing and cathartic experience. There was something therapeutic about layering our jars bit by bit. The jangle of the small bitty rocks at the bottom. The gentle thud of the dirt that would give our plants life. The squelch of the moss that would sustain our plant. Mine was green, and mottled with intricate red. A spider web of detail, without a name. As I watched it come to life, my eyes were transfixed. The final step? Larger rocks, some laced with pink, circling the terrarium jar lovingly. 

Make your own Cocktails with Belvoir Farm

It seemed like time was on fast-forward. Before we knew it, and we headed back into the treehouse saloon for the next activity, make your own cocktails. A singular drink caught my eye, the Pink & Stormy, laced with heady spiced rum. The best part of all? The generous infusion of Belvoir Farm Ginger Cordial, mixed with Belvoir Farm Sparkling Apple Juice. Garnished with apple slices, it made for the perfect concoction. 

But what is so special about Belvoir Farm anyway? Well, my sweet autumnal friends, each cordial, soft juice, or soda is made using simple ingredients. Natural fruits dancing with hand-picked flowers. Fresh juices, and spices, that let Belvoir Farm do the talking. Natural was always best. There are no artificial ingredients here. Nor are there any artificial flavourings, preservatives or sweeteners added. 

The craftmanship was exquisite, something that the bartenders were aware of. As we headed into our next class, we were struck with wonder. We too, would get the chance to capture the magic of Belvoir Farm, in a magical yet sustainable evening, where slow living prevailed. We watched, our eyes widening as the bartenders expertly whipped up two cocktails in what seemed like seconds. The Pink & Stormy vs an Elderflower and Rose Margarita. 

Given the choice to create a cocktail, rum would always win. And what a treat it was to recreate. It was so simple; ice cubes cluttered in a tall glass. A splash of ginger cordial, a glorious helping of sparkling apple juice. Of course, the rum was equally as important too. Finally, the garnish. Apple slices carefully placed, raspberries for added tang. 

There was food too artfully arranged. Choices for vegans, and vegetarians like myself. A smattering of cheeses, blue, soft, and mature. Carefully curated roasted nut bowls. Artichokes doused in oregano and olive oil. Sweet red grapes bursting with juiciness. Garlic infused red peppers stuffed with slightly salted ricotta.

Though the night was coming to an end, there were two more surprises. The first? A speech from Belvoir Farm, brimming with unbridled enthusiasm. The passion in their voices, unfiltered emotions made you smile. It was clear that Belvoir Farm was their lovechild, and why wouldn’t it be? It was more than just your average cordial or soft drink brand. Their innovative ideas for utilising Belvoir Farm products were nothing short of extraordinary.

 Think Outside of the box Bottle…

The versatility of Belvoir Farm cordials are endless, and we were encouraged to let our imagination run wild… A tofu stir fry drizzled with tangy cordial glazed soy sauce for something unusual perhaps? Elderflower cordial in a puffy baked cake. Ginger cordial fried rice, for a twist on the classic. The evening left me hungry for more, bursting with creativity. Being a foodie at heart, their words ignited passion in my mind. I was keen to use their products and put my own spin on a cordial fare. But what would I make?

As if by magic, the goodie bag fairies arrived. You could almost smell the magic in the air. Their eyes twinkled conspiratorially. You squealed with joy. A Belvoir Farm Botanical Floral Fizz, infused with elderflower, hibiscus, and geranium. Sparkling elderflower begging for your magic touch. A pink berry gin miniature that was fragrant, and tangy. 

As if that wasn’t enough, there were extras too. A small quirky book titled ‘The Herb Almanac’ with a seasonal guide to medicinal plants. A Jasmine and Mandarin Blossom natural deodorant from Wild. A beautiful 24K Gold rimmed cocktail glass from Anthropologie, almost too aesthetically pleasing to use. The cherry on top? The chance to take some of their floral decorations home arranged by The Clicc, so that it didn’t go to waste. 

And so, the night ended. The lights went off, and the real world beckoned. But still, the scent of Belvoir Farm’s cocktail exploration lingered. You could smell it the next morning. The goody bag a heady reminder. You smiled. It wasn’t just a dream. 

📍Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals, 48 Newman Street, W1T 1QQ

Words and photography by Ana De-Jesus | IG: @faded_spring

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