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The original Rum Kitchen opened in early 2013 in the island paradise of Westbourne near Portobello Road, and was an immediate hit with the sort of locals who were probably reminded of their last holiday in the Turks and Caicos Islands: Prince Harry and his pal Cressida Bonas were snapped loitering outside. It’s Caribbean for the loafers-and-gilet set, for sure, but it’s a lot of fun, especially the basement bar.
And now it’s washed up in Kingly Court just off Carnaby Street, in a much more compact space. Also making the hop from W11 are the carefully distressed driftwood, the don’t-worry-be-happy slogans on the walls, the fancied-up versions of Caribbean classics on the food menu (saltfish fritters, jerk chicken wings, curry mutton, roti) and the all-rum cocktails (we particularly enjoyed the disturbingly named Lesser of Two Weevils, an easy-drinking mix of Red Stripe ginger beer shandy, rum, lime and bitters). If you’re planning on weighing anchor here for a spot of grog, however, take heed: this Rum Kitchen is more ‘kitchen’ than ‘rum’ – the drinking area is small, seating only a few at the bar. Which is a shame – rum + reggae = a surefire way to brighten up a dreary February in Soho.