The spirit of the Caribbean is well and truly alive in the Burlock Rum Room, a hidden basement bar in Marylebone. Away from the bustling streets of the city is our very own slice of Havana and a true haven for any rum enthusiasts.
This cosy hideaway greets you with a warm glow of dimly lit lanterns as you step down into the golden age of Havana, rhythmic beats of Caribbean music set the scene as the inviting aroma of aged rum fills the air – it’s a bar that’s got its fair share of Cuban flair.
Decked out in vintage Cuban prints and a sipping salon corner with authentic retro hairdryers, the bar takes its name from the wooden frames wrapped in burlap holding bottles of smuggled alcohol that were bootlegged into the United States during prohibition. Burlock is dedicated to serving up some of the best boozy confections that all have the delicious alcoholic nectar of sugarcane as its star and invite Londoners to escape to the Caribbean.
As its name would suggest, Burlock Rum Room knows rum and knows how to serve it up pretty darn well. With a staggering collection of over 200 of the finest rum brands stocked on the bar shelves, it’s a dizzying treat to be able to choose your pick to be served on the rocks, expertly concocted into cocktails or even served in a hefty punch bowl to share amongst friends (or not).
By way of cocktails, signature rum-based tipples on the menu include Mystic Traveller which’s got flavours of lychee and maraschino topped with prosecco, Seale Club with dashes of Creole and orange, and Hotel National for a fruity number with flavours of pineapple, lime, apricot and orange.
There are also some classic rum-based cocktails to choose from that all give a taste of the tropics as well as a choice of two rum punch bowls, Scorpion and Trawlerman’s Punch, that can either serve three or six thirsty rum-frenzied folks. Wine and bubble are also on hand for anyone who doesn’t fancy any rum.
Burlock serves up a small food menu of Caribbean bites for those who are feeling peckish or need to soak up some of that pirate’s rink (one of the nicknames for rum we came across during our research; others include demon water, Nelson’s blood, devil’s death and Barbados water), before their next round. Burlock also hosts a spiffing carnival-inspired bottomless brunch on Saturdays complete with live entertainment and DJs, as well as a happy hour where you can get two for £12 cocktails from Wednesday to Saturday.
Burlock Rum Room is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 5pm to 12am on Wednesdays, 5pm to 2am on Thursdays, and 5pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.