It was a chilly, drizzly, day in Brighton with the wind blowing up Black Lion Street from the sea. Scots would call it “dreak” which also expressed my mood perfectly. However, all that was about to change as I walked in to the warm, golden glow of The Rum Kitchen matched by the staff welcome. The restaurant is a real escape with a modern, individual carnival vibe perfect for lunch and the evening party. There is an amply stocked bar for customers to choose from whether dining or imbibing. It’s happy hour every day of the week until 7pm, giving you plenty of opportunity to experience over their extensive selection of 100 rums and cocktails, expertly prepared by trained mixologists.
The Brighton restaurant, opened in 2021, is the latest of four in a chain of restaurants which started in Notting Hill, tweaked, design-wise, to its individual location. The chain was started by two brothers in response to their experiences of travelling through the Carribean. My guest and I were settled into a very comfy padded bench seat, wrapped around a table, which gave us privacy for our anticipation of a catch up chat and lunch. We perused the fulsome menu aided by a couple of glasses of very nice, crisp Sauvignon.
For starter my guest chose the Signature Chicken Wings which, to our delight, were prepared to a special ‘signature’ dish for her without chillies as she’s an allergy to the little devils. The chicken was lightly seasoned, served with grated carrots and melted in the mouth. I, after much chopping and changing with such a wide choice, plumped for Crispy Prawns which came with mayonnaise. The prawns were suitably plump and their deep fried bread crumbed jackets were crisp and no grease here.
Moving onto the main courses with my choice of TNT Curry which is true to its expected authentic Jamaican flavour and perfectly cooked chickpeas. It also fulfilled its TNT promise with a seriously strong chilli kick! My guest’s Halloumi and Avocado Burger was cooked perfectly to her preference, beautifully presented and plentiful.We rounded off the meal with a super Rude Boy cocktail of dark and coconut rums, grenadine, pineapple, guava, and lime juices.
Walking back out into the afternoon I felt rejuvenated, warm and totally content. Take that detour down Black Lion Street to visit Rum Kitchen and escape into their intoxicating ambiance. I’m already planning to bring friends back one evening to party!
11 Black Lion Street, BN1 1ND / 01273 073151 / therumkitchen.com
