Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum (quick sidebar, that ‘yo ho ho’ business sounds familiar, do you think that Father Christmas was a pirate before he started santa-ing? Answers on a postcard…). But if, like me, you think rum is one of the best inventions ever (up there with the jet engine and the toaster) then you’ll be glad to know that it’s now World Rum Day! And, without further ado, here are the best places to enjoy it…
Trader Vic's London
I’m not sure about your diary, but mine has Pina Colada day underlined in red for today, 10th July (okay, not only has it not but I’m off to an English sparkling wine tasting tonight, but next year it totally will be!). I love a pina colada and one of the best places in London to grab yourself this divine rum drink has to be Trader Vic’s.
Where: 22 Park Lane, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner (0.3 miles)
Website: www.tradervicslondon.com
Kraken's Stormy 4D Experience
We hope you’ve packed your umbrella as you’re about to be caught in Storm Kraken. Notorious drinks brand Kraken Black Spice Rum has been cooking up a storm (quite literally) taking diners on a whole new multi-sensory journey at their new immersive restaurant. Expect intense rainfall, howling winds and mighty thunder crashing down on you.
On July 12th and 13th, you’ll need your sturdiest rain mac and wellies as it’s about to get blistery at Kraken’s new abode. Legend has it that the treacherous ocean waters where the Kraken Beast calls home inspired these perfect storms. Guests will literally be dining inside a freakin’ storm huddled around the restaurant’s long, communal table.
Kraken’s 4D sensory experience will take place July 12th and 13th
Where: 5 Great Newport Street, Covent Garden, WC2H 7JB
Website: www.universe.com
Trailer Happiness
Quite literally a trailer of happiness, this Tiki-esque joint is the ideal spot for a bit of rum indulgence. Located in a basement, expect California in the 1960s vibes, classic cocktails with a Tiki twist and an epic Supersonic Tiki Tonic!
Where: 177 Portobello Road, W11 2DY
Website: www.trailerh.com
Rum & Sugar
Look, it’s even got rum in the name! Rum & Sugar is surely the first place to call in at during rum month? With their deeply philosophical tagline ‘rum is a state of mind’ Rum & Sugar serve over 200 different rums from their Canary Wharf base. Not only that, but the Caribbean delicacies on the menu make this a place to hang out indefinitely.
Where: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, Canary Wharf E14 4AL
Nearest station: West India Quay DLR Station (0.2 miles)
Website: www.rumandsugar.co.uk
BACARDÍ Rum Month
What better way to celebrate the global rum epidemic than BACARDÍ Rum Month! With 50 events at its helm, the month includes tours, takeovers, parties, freebies, cocktails, offers and more. On the 17th, London will see a host of tours happening across the city at Bar Three, Red Rooster at The Curtain, The Cocktail Trading Co, Discount Suit Company and Dinerama. Next, it’ll be the turn of Leeds, (18th of July), and Edinburgh (19th of July). Rum on, dear friends!
Website: www.drinkup.london
Burlock
Be transported to subtropical Cuba at Burlock. The rum bar is set in the 1920s and pays homage to the chilled out vibes of the island nation that gave us the cigar, rum and, um, the missile crisis. Feel like a latter-day Graham Greene as you hit this Mayfair bar.
Where: 31 Duke Street, St. Marylebone, London W1U 1LG, UK
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.burlocklondon.co.uk
