The Rhum Tavern has officially opened on Margaret Street in London’s West End, offering the capital’s largest and most diverse rum collection, a high-end cocktail concept, and a retail arm.
The brainchild of owner Gabriel de-Vere it marks his debut solo project, following accolades at the likes of Sketch, Lounge Lover, The Little Yellow Door, and Mr Fogg’s.
We checked it out at a preview and found The Rhum Tavern paying homage to 17th century piracy withan interior design, inspired by historical pirate ships. Think Black Sails, the Starrs TV series, and the authenticity that showed.
Gabriel has renovated the 1,750 sq foot space by hand. Almost every element is handcrafted , with solid reclaimed timber flooring and walls, a handcrafted resin bar top finished with gold cast pirate coins, and custom-made glassware (also available to purchase) with lanterns . The cocktail menu is displayed on authentically charred parchment paper, referencing historical treasure maps.
Gabriel and his mixology team have worked to create the zero waste cocktail menu, which consists of 12 signature cocktails and an array of classics with a rum twist. Hero serves include:
- Tepache Rum Punch: Homemade Tepache (fermented pineapple often found in Mexican drinks), Planteray Pineapple Stiggins and Clement Shrub with a pineapple fruit roll garnish
- Kun-Jali: Homemade Mango Lassi, Wine and Damoiseau Mango Rum garnished with a homemade Cardamom Seaweed Crisp
- Dead Men Tell No Tales: Mount Gay Black Barrel, Passion fruit, Prosecco, and Red Wine garnished with Resveratrol Dust
The drinks list showcases a take on an espresso martini, seen here with Bristol Rum, Grand Brulot, Fresh Coffee and finished with choc and cheese dust and a rum based Old Fashioned with barrel-aged Worthy Park Single Estate from Jamaica.
There will also be a bar food menu featuring grilled salt beef, inspired by the brined beef that was available on 17th Century ships, crispy chicken skins and baby back ribs, finessed on the robata grill, which sits towards the furthest area of the bar, allowing guests to watch the chef in action.
The collection of over 350 rums from around the world showcases premium to ultra-premium bottles from brands such as 2 Drifters, British Planteray and Worthy Park bringing new and emerging rum brands to light.
The Rhum Tavern will also play host to a rum bottle shop where rum aficionados (or novices) can purchase on-site to enjoy at home. Fortnightly rum masterclasses will be available to the public and hosted by the Rhum Tavern team to educate guests on global rum trends and ideologies.
The Rhum Tavern
48 Margaret St, London W1W 8SE