The year was 2010…we embarked on a path that none we knew had ever travelled before. A cavernous hall said to be furnished with rum from the far reaches of the globe. Surely a place like this could not exist?
Our journey began early that day by boarding the eastbound Piccadilly Line from Northfields. We carefully studied the TFL map ensuring we knew all our changes and crossovers. 90 minutes later having successfully negotiated the Green Park Jubilee line interchange, a swift switch at Canning Town and then a pleasantly rumble-free ride on the DLR we finally emerged at Custom House. As photons of natural light hit our eyes the behemoth of the Excel Centre stood in front of us. Little did we know what delights were hidden behind the doors of this modern day Aladdin’s Cave…
6 hours later we emerged, eyes bleary but this time not due to the fading light of an October evening in East London. Something had changed in the world. Something had changed in us too. Colours were more vibrant, tastes more prominent and life was all that more beautiful and to be cherished. What had transpired inside was nothing short of a saga. We had travelled the world but we had never left E16. We had run along the beaches of Barbados, we had galloped through the grassy fields of Guyana and we had conquered the peaks of the Pitons in St. Lucia. We did this all through…rum.
RumFest started in 2007 and was the brain child of Global Rum Ambassador (and these days TV personality!) Mr Ian Burrell. A former barman, DJ, rapper and restaurant owner (still) Ian created RumFest to showcase how rum is “perceived in the Tropics”. “Rum is not just a spirit but it’s a lifestyle” he says. We would have to agree.
RumFest returns for its 11th year to the streets of London and visitors are “invited to embark on a journey or rum discovery”. Even for those of us who have been for many years now (always great to see familiar faces in that rum-laden room!), there is still so much to learn and try. Over 400 different rums from the world over will be available to sample and all except a handful (Golden Tots) are included within your ticket. We have never known RumFest to hold back and this year will surely be no exception.
Guests will be entertained throughout the day with live music, prize giveaways, seminars from rum experts and “industry aficionados”. There will be delicious food from all over the world and the opportunity to buy many rums from the in-house shop. RumFest as always will be held over 2 (two!) days from Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th October.
This year Rumfest have over 400 of the worlds most premium and sought after rums. Highlights will include:
-The world’s largest Tiki-head bar from Plantation rum.
-Fever Tree Highball Bar
-Exclusive rum launches
-Rococo Chocolates
-Cigar Emporium
-Opportunity to purchase incredibly rare rum including Foursquare Triptych Single Blended Rum
Tickets can be purchased here and further information about the event is available on the official website.
RumCask will be there both days so if you see us, please say hi and let’s “celebrate the diversity of RUM” together!
