Where to Celebrate National Rum Day 2019

We at Sated don’t really need an excuse to drink rum but, when given one, why not take it?! To celebrate that most marvellous of annual happenings, National Rum Day (16th August), we’ve come up with a list of our top bars in London to enjoy fantastic rums, Tiki cocktails, and renowned “RumHead” hospitality.

Trailer Happiness

Trailer Happiness team

It’s not possible to talk about rum in London without giving Trailer a mention. Located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, the award-winning venue is the spot for Tiki cocktails, exceptionally knowledgeable bar staff and general mad-hattery.

Zombie at Trailer Happiness
Zombie Sharing Cocktail at Trailer Happiness

Whilst their extensive list of Trailer Classics and Signature cocktails will keep a lone drinker very busy, the real showstoppers are the Sharing Cocktails, such as the dangerously and deceptively strong Zombie (Trailer’s Zombie Blend, Velvut Farlernum, Marschino Liqueur, Grenadine, Absinthe, Angostura Bitters, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice). Serving 4-5 people at £50 a pop, this flaming temptress breathes new life into this infamous Tiki classic.

Trailer Happiness, 177 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2DY

Limin’

Sham and Paolo Limin'

UPDATE 9TH JULY 2020 – Limin’ now has a permanent location at Limin’ Beach Club, 56 Upper Ground, Bishop’s Place, Gabriel’s Wharf, London SE1 9PP.

We fell into the Limin’ pop-up in Spitalfields Market very much by accident and then proceeded to go back nearly every day for the next week. The Trinidadian rum shack and restaurant is run by the inimitable, gregarious and general “Host with the Most”, Sham, whilst Paolo Molinaro (ex-Hutong, ex-Shoreditch House) heads the bar, shaking up perfectly balanced, powerfully flavoured and mighty boozy rum cocktails.

Limin' Rum Punch
Limin’ Rum Punch

All cocktails on offer are outstanding but, if we had to recommend a few, we’d suggest starting with the Rum Punch (that truly packs one) and continuing with the stunning Sorrel Daiquiri (£9). You’ll not get away with only having two drinks though and will soon be sucked in by the Limin’ charm, so you might as well work your way through the menu and soak up the booze with some lip-smackingly good Trini dishes.

Read our full review of this insanely good venue here.

Limin’ Beach Club, 56 Upper Ground, Bishop’s Place, Gabriel’s Wharf, London SE1 9PP

Black Parrot

Black Parrot Bar

Very different it atmosphere but entirely joyous in its own way is Black Parrot. A rum geek’s haven, the tiny, plush and dimly lit bar, hidden down an alleyway off of Fleet Street, is home to one of the best rum collections out there.

Long Pond 2007 at Black Parrot Bar

Looking for a rare Port Mourant, Long Pond or Foursquare – this is your place. Black Parrot is a great bar to leisurely nerd-out in and try some of your dream drams in the company of other rum lovers. For those looking for a cocktail, definitely try a Veritas Daiquiri for a beautifully funky 1950s-style treat.

Black Parrot Bar, 8 Bride Ct, London EC4Y 8DU

Merchant’s House

Merchant's House Bar

With over 400 rums on offer and an astoundingly knowledgeable set of staff to guide you through the biblical menu, Merchant House is a must-visit.

Merchant's House Bar staff

The bar’s rare collection of spirits focuses on the Mercantile history of both gin and rum, fusing this with a separate treasure trove of some 600 whiskies from around the world. So, if you’re celebrating National Rum Day with some not-so-rummie friends, they’ve got you sorted. Merchant’s House is also just down the road from Black Parrot, so if your merriment allows, you can kill two birds with one stone!

Merchant’s House, 13 Well Ct, London EC4M 9DN

Trader Vic’s

Trader Vic's

Trader Vic’s has history. It got its start in 1934 when Vic “The Trader” Bergeron built a cosy little saloon named Hinky Dinks in Oakland, California. After a trip to Cuba to explore the subtleties of rums from around the world, he returned to transform his venue into Trader Vic’s a tiki retreat serving up island-style bites and quality cocktails. Popularity for the Tiki haven grew and the 1960s saw the opening of a second venue to London’s Hilton Hotel on Park Lane.

1944 Mai Tai

Today, London’s Trader Vic’s boasts over 200 signature cocktails and is widely credited as the home of the original Mai Tai.

Trader Vic’s, 22 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1BE

Laki Kane

Georgi Radev of Laki Kane
Georgi Radev of Laki Kane

One of the city’s newest, quality Tiki cocktail bars, Laki Kane recently celebrated its 1st birthday and continues to be a firm favourite within London’s rum scene. Located on Upper St, equidistance between Angel and Highbury & Islington, the lushly decorated, tropical vibes bar is the brainchild of Georgi Radev (ex-Mahiki) and serves up tropical cocktails with flair and finesse.

Laki Kane
Laki Kane Bacardi El Coco Punch

This National Rum Day, they are teaming up with Bacardí to bring visitors the incredibly boozy sounding El Coco Punch (Bacardí Añejo Cuatro, Bacardí Carta Blanca, Bacardí Riserva Ocho, Mahiki Coconut Rum, Thai Sugar, Fresh Lime Juice, Soursop Tea and Coco Water) for only £7.50!

Laki Kane, 144-145 Upper St, Islington, London N1 1QY

RumCask Golden Hinde event

 RumCask

If you’re new to rum and/or want to find out more about it, we have the perfect event for you! Our friends at RumCask are climbing back on-board The Golden Hinde ship and are bringing over 15 rums with them (thankfully the ship is moored in Southwark so the only swaying will be from the over-zealous samplers amongst you)!

RumCask
RumCask event aboard The Golden Hinde

Guests aboard the 16th century vessel will be able to sample all the rums and learn about each from the RumCask team. Those with a VIP Tasting Room ticket will also be able to sit in on a 30-minute rum talk and get the chance to try two very rare and expensive rums.

Buy tickets from £14.06 here.

The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie’s Dock, Cathedral St, London SE1 9DE