The UK Indian Summer may be truly over, however for 2 days in October (15th & 16th) the Caribbean heat will be on full blast at Kensington Olympia as Rumfest returns for its 5th year.
Last year I was lucky enough to go and since I left the event I’ve been striking the days down faster than a convict waiting for his release day.
I recently touched on what to expect from Rumfest, however I’ve just been informed they are going even bigger this year.
To kick it off, there will be over 400 different rums to sample, but what’s new this year is a Tropical Food Market.
I think this a genius idea as last year I was starving by 6pm so being able to have a bite to eat will be the icing on the cake…or ‘the mint in the mojito’…. see what I did there??!??
The food market will feature an area devoted to presenting the finest delicacies and cuisine the tropics has to offer.
Highly acclaimed rum chef Paul Yellin, (yep there is such a job) who has travelled the Caribbean discovering how to create unique dishes using rum, will be demonstrating and giving seminars on how to use rum in cooking. (I can now justify going to the other half)
The Mette Cantina will be the tropics-inspired setting for the celebrity chefs and also where Paul Yellin will be searching for the Rum Experience Chef of the Year.
Budding rum chefs will be asked to devise a rum canapé and the winner will be whisked off on an all-expenses paid trip to Barbados to attend the Taste Festival in November.
I very much doubt my speciality ‘rum cooked in rum’ will win, but it’s a nice thought!
The Bacardi Dominoes and Daiquiri Zone is back for another year where visitors can enjoy Bacardi Cocktails and attempt to learn Domino’s.
With so much going on including the Tiki Bar Tender of the Year sponsored by Don Q Rum competition, exotic music and dancing, and a plethora of rums from around the world including Havana Club– what more can you ask for from a weekend?
If that wasn’t enough, Ron De Jeremey will also be there, which I have been dying to sample.
The man we need to thank for all of this – Ian Burrell, UK Rum Ambassador and UK RumFest founder, and here’s what he had to say about it:
“The tropical lifestyle is one which should be shared with as many people as possible and we are extremely proud to hold an event which brings this culture to London,”
“The weekend has a carnival feel to it as hundreds celebrate rum and the lifestyle that comes with it including exotic foods, salsa and zouk dancing and live music.”
Tickets are on sale and I recommend buying them quick. It’s a great day out for anyone who likes a cocktail and a good time. You can get them here and find out more about Rumfest
Cutthecap will be down there filming a little video blog and also holding a Cigar smoking session after at a nearby location. So if you see us down there, come and say hello and join us for a cigar after (Bring your own cigars – were not millionaires)