Room for Black in the Union Jack

Since the arrival of the expatriates – yes, expatriates! – from the Caribbean on the SS Windrush, a former German transport ship captured and renamed to reflect Allied World War II victory in 1946, the question of the people’s – who’s only shared-difference was their skin being darker – right to stay in the United... View Article

Gwan! Why you should go to Carnival

We get it. We know. It sucks. Like really sucks. Another year without the glits, the glam. Another year without Notting Hill Carnival (NHC). Argh, where’s the rum? Every year – usually – in August, Ladbroke Grove gets a makeover. And so do we. We bring the feathers, the food and the rum to our... View Article

Happy Jamaican Independence Day!

Let’s start by congratulating Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson for talking bronze, silver and gold in the 100m at the Tokyo Olympics! The island has much to be proud of on its Independence Day. Jamaica is packed to the brim with things that mystify the world. Some of us Brits, yearly, scamper and... View Article

A Mango in Nevis

In normal times, on the first weekend of July, Nevisians would kick up ‘them foot’ with flocking tourists who fly, swim and sail for Nevis’ Mango Festival. Feasting on the dishes created to honour the islands 44 varieties of mango. Sadly, due to the pandemic the Nevisian Tourist Authority has been forced to pause tourism... View Article

Happy World Rum Day

8,000 years back in New Guinea, humanity fell in love with the true white gold, even before they were able to unlock the secrets to turn into the rum we know today. Humans were used as property to do the backbreaking work in terrible conditions in order to supply the insatiable demand for sugar. But... View Article

Happy Windrush Day

Today marks Windrush Day and we at the Rum Kitchen would like to pay homage and celebrate the culture and contributions of the British Caribbean community, who make our mission statement of ‘Be More Carnival’ possible. The essence of togetherness, journey, good food and music are all hallmarks of our company mission, quite in the... View Article

Brighton and the Rum Cove

Can you smell that? No, that?! The air. Fresh air. Fresh seaside air. Brought in with the tide to soothe the moisture sliding down your forehead as you wonder if your sun-hat is really doing its job, or whether you put on too much sun lotion or not, but you thank your lucky stars anyway,... View Article

Jamrock Rockin’

It’s cold. Like really cold. And raining – it’s English weather, so it’s expected. But that’s outside.  Inside, there’s warmth. People are hugging their friends, family and loved ones. Whereas outside, the only thing worth a hug is their coats. Outside, people are dodging the rain to run for a train, a bus, a black... View Article

The Real Rude Boy

Every drink that has blessed a bartop, been laid on a napkin, been served neat or on ice, in a long glass or a coupe, a martini, a flute or a rocks glass, has a story. Whether it is Jennings Cox’s moment of genius whilst stationed in Cuba to make the Daiquiri, or Dick Bradsell’s... View Article

Clark’s Caribbean Love Affair

If you were asked to name a few fashion heavyweights you might say the usual suspects: Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and so forth. These maybe the names slipping off everyone lips. But in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica, there’s only one titan that matters for footwear… Clarks. And the love affair has been going on since 1940s.