Mr Viveur is a fictional character inspired by Mr Smelly’s second release, Bon Viveur: a fizzy-fresh citrus/chypre scent, in the classic vein, with a few modern, surprise twists. The perfect accompaniment to a friendly frolic on a warm spring or summer’s day.
It’s May 2021 and a group of friends are gathering for a house party. A spot of eating, drinking and frolicking on the terrace. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and a mood of good cheer is in the air.
Hosting the party is one Mr Viveur: a bubbly hedonist whose principal motto in life is to eat, drink and be merry. A motto which he more than lives up to with his busy social calendar.
The time is 2pm and the party is just beginning. Mr Viveur is popping open a big bottle of Chinotto, which he’ll mix with rum and orange juice to form his famous Cubatto punch.
Accompanying the punch are various amuse-bouches, which colourfully adorn Mr Viveur’s roof terrace and fill the air with the most intoxicating aroma of lemongrass, basil and lime.
In the left corner of the terrace is Mr Viveur’s good friend Seb - an art dealer and occasional Pitmaster (professional Barbecuer to you and I). And, to Seb’s right, Felicity - Mr Viveur’s on and off girlfriend of eight years. Herself a Fashion Editor for a society magazine. Also present are Hugh Silver - an up and coming West End Theatre Director - Jenny West - A London Food Critic - and various Z list celebrities.
As Seb gets the BBQ going, wafts of camphorous clove smoke start to fill the air and gently infuse with the smell of alcohol and citrus drizzled salad leaves.
Noticing that the punch is all gone, Mr Viveur opens a bottle of British gin. “Who’s for a G&T?” he asks. To which a dozen guests all raise their glasses.
As afternoon turns to evening and the last of the BBQ is consumed, Mr Viveur decides to switch up the ambience. On goes a patchouli and vetiver scented candle and a lounge music playlist - a mixture of bossa nova, blues and easy listening.
Fizzy G&Ts are replaced by soft and smooth digestifs as talk turns from zesty repartee to lighter, airier conversation. As lively as the Bon Viveur parties get, you can always be guaranteed of a smooth finish.
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