With it being National Rum Day, and me being an avid lover of all things tiki, I thought I’d put together a quick guide to the top 10 places to drink rum in London. Of course, it’s not all island obsessed; there’s also late night warehouse dens and Caribbean foodie vibes. So, go on… have a lil read of the best places in London to drink rum.
You’re welcome 😉
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Trailer Happiness
The go-to for lively nights out and cracking cocktails, Trailer Happiness is a true landmark of Portobello Road. Forget the market stalls and gin hotels, it’s all about fine spirits and jazzy music here. Think Plantation Rum, signature house blends and an impressive back bar at this party palace.
Must try: Trailer Colada and Polynesian Princess (for those in need of something a bit more botanical)
Nearest tube: 🚆 Notting Hill Gate
Laki Kane
Escape to tropical paradise at Upper Street’s newest arrival. This tiki spot has the blood of Mahiki running through its veins, with Georgi Radev behind the bar. Rum is artisanal, sugar cane syrups are hand made and the atmosphere is pumping. There’s even a “press for rum button” to fulfil all your boozy needs.
Must try: Pin-Up Zombie
Nearest tube: 🚆 Highbury & Islington
Burlock
Life’s more fun with rum… and if you’re looking for the sugary spirit, you’ve come to the right place, because there’s over 200 varieties in this Fitzrovia favourite. A little too lairy for my liking, Burlock is all about the party. It’s loud, it’s lively and it’s all about 1920s Cuba.
Must try: a big ol’ Punch Bowl
Nearest tube: 🚆 Bond Street
NOLA
Inspired by the jazzy feels of New Orleans, this Roman Road watering hole features exposed brickwork, panelled walls and classic cocktails. Prepare to be transported all the way to the Big Easy as you soak up signature cocktails while smooth blues and jazz provide the soundtrack to a chilled out evening.
Must try: The Creole Muse
Nearest tube: 🚆 Bethnal Green
Merchant House
With over 350 bottles of gin and 350 bottles of rum, it’s safe to say that you won’t go thirsty at Merchant House of Bow Lane. Forget tacky tiki, because the drinks at here are award-winning and the interior is more old school sophistication than shabby chic.
Must try: Mutiny on the Bounty
Nearest tube: 🚆 Bank
Rum Kitchen
No rum, no rainbow. That’s the motto here and I love it. From Brixton to Soho and even Notting Hill, the Rum Kitchen is spreading their love of jerk chicken and Caribbean cocktails all around town. Head to the west London branch, where you’ll find a subterranean members bar, laid-back vibes and plenty of rum, of course.
Must try: Tiki Negroni
Nearest tube: 🚆 Ladbroke Grove
Swift
While I usually grab an Irish Coffee or something short from the street-level bar upstairs, it’s the basement den below that has a truly impressive cocktail list. From the peanut-buttery Tinderbox to the punchy Amber Cane, Swift’s collection of rum tipples is on fire. Not surprising from the brains behind Nightjar and Milk & Honey.
Must try: The Guinness-fuelled Praline Flip
Nearest tube: 🚆 Leicester Square
NT’s
You may know Night Tales as the crew who throw epic food-fuelled pop-ups and kitchen takeovers, but have you been to their Hackney bar? Housed in a warehouse, it’s home to some experimental concoctions, as well as, a selection of over 30 exotic rums. Plus, with live DJs each and every weekend, this neon haven is a top choice for a night out in east London.
Must try: Pineapple Cooler
Nearest tube: 🚆 London Fields
Trader Vic’s
Housed in Park Lane’s swanky Hilton Hotel, Trader Vic’s is known for being home to the original Mai Tai. A staple on the Polynesian scene, the Californian tiki brand set up shop in London over 50 years ago and its slinky mix of beachy interiors, tropical cocktails and seafood dishes fired up in Chinese wood ovens is still going strong.
Must try: 1944 Mai Tai, duh.
Nearest tube: 🚆 Hyde Park Corner
Mahiki
Last but certainly not least, I couldn’t complete my Top 10 without a shout out to my all time favourite tiki club. As soon as I was old enough to go clubbing, nights out were devoted to this Dover Street haunt. From the kitsch interior, to the banging tunes and the fabulous drinks, this one’s a winner. So, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it.
Must try: Mahiki Treasure Chest, because why the hell not?
Nearest tube: 🚆 Green Park
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London Girl Munches 