Wed 4th Apr 2018 - Inception Group to add three sites to Mr Fogg’s brand Inception Group to add three sites to Mr Fogg’s brand: Bar and nightclub operator Inception Group is to embark on its biggest expansion to date, doubling the size of its Around The World in 80 Days inspired, Mr Fogg’s Collection by opening three more bars. Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals will open in Fitzrovia this June, followed by Mrs Fogg’s, inspired by Aouda, the intrepid explorer, Phileas Fogg’s wife, in Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel. Opening in Broadgate Circle in September, Mrs Fogg’s will be its first foray into the City. The last in the trio of new openings will see the unveiling this October of Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration situated just off the Strand, and the intention is there will be further new Mr Fogg’s to follow in 2019. Inception Group was founded in 2009 by Charlie Gilkes and Duncan Stirling when they were just 24 and 27. The group operates ten of London’s most conceptual and popular venues, offering “inventive food and drink served in eclectic settings”. The business has won several awards as well as industry-wide recognition, including being named in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 and winning London Lifestyle Awards several years in a row. OakNorth has provided Inception Group with growth capital to initially fund the roll-out of the three new sites across London this year. Deepesh Thakrar, senior debt finance director at OakNorth, said: “The London bar and restaurant scene is one of the most competitive in the world – there are numerous chains and while these can work very well, a lot of people prefer sites that feel more like hidden gems or speakeasies. Charlie and Duncan’s approach – developing venues that have a unique look and feel, as well as individual concepts – has proven to be extremely successful and we look forward to working with them in the future.” Gilkes added: “We are delighted about this year’s biggest expansion in the history of Inception Group and the Mr Fogg’s Collection. We look forward to bringing London the next thrilling chapter in our Around The World in 80 Days journey.” Mrs Fogg’s will be situated in Broadgate, the largest pedestrianised neighbourhood in central London. The campus is a diverse community connecting innovation and finance, and a public arena for new food, retail and culture. Joint owners British Land and GIC are investing £1.5bn in Broadgate’s evolution into a “world-class”, mixed-use destination for London. Their master plan for Broadgate will deliver 4.9 million square foot of new and redefined workplaces, retail and restaurants, “bringing people together to work, shop, drink and dine”. Claire Barber, head of central London retail and Meadowhall, British Land, said: “Mrs Fogg’s will be yet another great addition to an already fantastic choice of bars and restaurants at Broadgate. The team at Inception Group has an excellent reputation for creating unique, fun places for people to eat and drink. Its decision to open at Broadgate shows how successfully the neighbourhood is establishing a reputation as a public arena for new food, retail and culture.” Agents Restaurant Property secured the Fitzrovia site in Newman Street for Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals. Restaurant Property senior surveyor Guy Marks said: "I am a big fan of Inception Group's quirky, original bars, restaurants and clubs and I realised straight away the former Dickie Fitz site would be a perfect fit for the group. It was off-market when we approached Charlie and Duncan with the details and I am delighted we have been able to help them acquire the site.”