On Wednesday 25th June 2014, iconic late-night Soho venue Floridita (www.floriditalondon.com) will unveil its brand new Rum Island giving guests the chance to enjoy a chic beach-inspired drinking experience in the heart of London’s West End this summer.
Floridita boasts the most extensive selection of rums in Europe, and its aptly named Rum Island will offer a cocktail menu which celebrates the huge versatility of rum with a refreshing range of Latin-American inspired cocktails.
Guests can choose from cocktails including the Watermelon Punch: a concoction created from Brugal Rum, watermelon, Aperol Liquer, cranberry juice, lemon juice and sugar served in a hollowed watermelon to the Navy Sangria: a nautical tribute with a Brazilian twist combining Pusser’s Navy Rum, Mandarine Napoleon, sugar and fresh fruits. Alternatively, for those who want to overcome rising temperatures, the quirky Nuclear Slush Colada is ideal: a tropical blend of ice, Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum, Koko Kanu Coconut Rum, pineapple juice and cream.
Adding to the experience, Executive Chef Sascha Rieb has devised a barbecue inspired food menu using a wide selection of vibrant Latin-American flavours. Starters include Chargrilled Pork Belly with Lime Mojo, Sweet Guindilla Chillies and Barbecued Chorizo Sausages and main dishes include a selection of smoky barbecued burgers. For a refreshing finale, guests can take their pick from fruit infused sorbets, with exotic flavours such as Mango and Blood Orange to choose from.
The perfect summer hide-away, located underneath the restaurant’s iconic sweeping staircase, Rum Island is reminiscent of the elegant beach clubs in Miami, Ibiza and The Hamptons. The space is dressed in swathes of luxurious fabric for a pavilion feel whilst the walls are clad with vintage wooden shutters, which can be closed for total privacy. For those wishing to relax, a decadent daybed area has been created with rattan beds, and flickering hurricane lanterns have been placed throughout the Rum Island to add to the ambience.
FlavourMag were among the first to try out the new pop-up space and as soon as you enter Rum Island you are immersed in an elegant beach club vibe which feels a million miles away from the busy London streets. The comfortable laid back vibe is complimented by a cocktail menu which is extensive but not overwhelming. The cocktails are served in creative and varied ways; the Watermelon Punch was served in a large frozen watermelon and was refreshing and light to drink. One of the more quirky cocktails is the Passion for Passion which comes served in a small bottle with a hollow passion fruit – the idea is to pour a shot sized amount of the cocktail into the Passion Fruit which then becomes your glass! If you want a bite to eat alongside your cocktail then fear not, Rum Island boats a small simple menu with dishes that are perfect alongside your fruity cocktails. Two of my highlights were the Burgers which were cooked perfectly and the Pork Belly which was amazing!
Essential for those who want to escape the hustle & bustle of Soho without leaving the city, Floridita’s Rum Island is a must-visit destination this summer.
The bar is open from 23rd June – late September from 5.30pm to 3.00am, making it the perfect location to begin or end your evening in the buzzing Soho area, and can also be hired for exclusive private bookings.
