Regular visitors to Covent Garden will have noticed a significant absence in the iconic piazza this month. The legendary wine bar, The Crusting Pipe, which had been a fixture in the area for decades, permanently closed its doors on December 21, 2025. This closure marks the end of an era for one of the first tenants to occupy the market hall following its major redevelopment in 1980.
A New Chapter for a Historic Location
The Crusting Pipe's operator, Davy's, attributed the closure to shifting trading environments and evolving consumer habits. However, the lower ground floor space within the Market Building will not remain vacant for long. In an exciting development for London's hospitality scene, the renowned Mr Fogg's Tavern chain has secured the location and plans to open its eleventh London venue there this summer.
What to Expect from the New Flagship Venue
This new establishment is set to become the flagship location for the Mr Fogg's brand. The venue will boast an impressive 4,500 square feet of interior space, accommodating approximately 130 guests. Additionally, it will feature a charming 65-seat courtyard, providing a unique al fresco dining and drinking experience in the heart of Covent Garden.
Charlie Gilkes, co-founder of Mr Fogg's, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating that the new venue aims to bring something historically interesting and unapologetically British to the area. His business partner, Duncan Stirling, highlighted Covent Garden's appeal as a premier destination for both tourists and Londoners, noting the exciting potential to engage with the world-famous market, opera house, and theatrical district right on their doorstep.
The Mr Fogg's Phenomenon
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Mr Fogg's venues are a collection of Victorian-inspired bars and pubs that draw thematic inspiration from Jules Verne's adventurous character, Phileas Fogg, from Around the World in Eighty Days. The first venue opened in Mayfair in 2013, quickly followed by the original Mr Fogg's Tavern on St Martin's Lane in Covent Garden. The chain has since become synonymous with immersive, theatrical drinking and dining experiences across the capital.
While the exact opening date for the new Covent Garden location remains unconfirmed, it is anticipated to launch in the summer of 2026. This transformation from a historic wine bar to a flagship themed tavern represents a significant evolution for one of London's most beloved entertainment districts. Only time will tell if this new incarnation will capture the hearts of locals and visitors alike, continuing the legacy of its legendary predecessor.
