Insider’s Guide: Celebrate Notting Hill Carnival With The 5 Best Rum Bars In London

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This guide to rum drinking in London by Valerie Denny appeared in Forbes.

With Notting Hill Carnival just around the corner (Aug. 24 and 25), we’re in the Caribbean spirit. And we’ve decided to get the party started a little early, so we asked a London insider for the best rum bars in London where you can get into the spirit of the islands with the perfect Dark and Stormy.

The Insider: George Frost, founder of The Duppy Share, a premium golden Caribbean rum that just launched last month exclusively at Selfridges. George previously worked as head of new business at Quintessentially, the luxury concierge service.

His Rum Credentials: ”I’m a self-professed Rum Adventurer with a love of all things rum and the Caribbean. This stems from childhood, the moment my brothers and I were able to wield a cricket bat, our parents [editor’s note: his father is the late Sir David Frost] took the family on regular holidays to Barbados and Anguilla. There, I was captivated with the energy, the fun and (as soon as I had reached the legal drinking age), the rum of the islands.”

On Creating The Duppy Share: ”A little while ago I noticed a gap in the rum category for a contemporary premium player that would resonate with a younger audience and represent a taste of the modern Caribbean. Spurred on by my love of the Caribbean, I got a team with of similarly adventurous spirits together and created The Duppy Share.”

What is the duppy share? A duppy is a mischievous spirit in the Caribbean. ‘The angel’s share’ is what some distillers call the alcohol that has evaporated and ‘gone to the angels’ as the alcohol ages. This portion is referred to in some Caribbean countries as ‘the duppy’s share.’

And here are the Rum Adventurer’s favorite bars:

PortSide Parlour – “This is where our story first began, I first heard of the legend of the Duppy Share whilst in this hidden nautical gem in the heart of Shoreditch. An impressive array of 80+ rums and seasonal rum cocktails.” 14 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3DU

The Rum Kitchen – “A rum lover’s paradise on All Saints Road with a new outpost in Kingly Court, Soho. Combines beach shack chic and epic rum cocktails with an impressive Caribbean menu and reggae beats. Ask for Mario.” 6 – 8 All Saints Road, W11 1HH and 1st Floor, Kingly Court, Carnaby, Soho, W1B 5PW

Pelicans & Parrots – “A traditional Caribbean Rum Shop style bar is tucked in the basement of this quirky Dalston treasure trove.” 81 Stoke Newington Road, Dalston, N16 8AD

Trailer Happiness – “This Portobello Road institution combines ‘70s retro decor with Tiki-inspired cocktails. Home of the monthly Rum Club.” 177 Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY

Cottons Rhum Shack – “This London landmark is home of the global rum guru Ian Burrell and his nephew, Andrae. If anyone knows their rum, it’s these guys with 243 rums on offer (at the last count!)” 55 Chalk Farm Road, London, NW1 8AN

For the original report go to http://www.forbes.com/sites/valeriedenny/2014/08/15/insiders-guide-celebrate-notting-hill-carnival-with-the-5-best-rum-bars-in-london/

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