The bar’s name refers to the twine and hemp packaging that ‘rum runners’ used during the Prohibition era to move their rum. Inspired by Cuba in the 1920s-40s, and “inspired by sugar-producing islands” with “beautiful décor reminiscent of Havana’s chic early 20th century colonial style” - Burlock is one of the largest rum bars (with 200 listed) in the UK and also serves an array of Latin spirits, including cachaça, agricole rum and mezcal.
The “cavernous” bar has a décor reminiscent of Havana’s chic early 20th-century colonial style, with a “grand house” veranda in the heart of the space providing a bookable area for up to 40 guests. A Havana-style barber shop doubles up as a drinking area called the “the Sipping Salon”, with a nod to Gilberto “Papito” Valladares’s famous hair dressing salon in Havana, which host spirit tastings and masterclasses.
It has been developed by The Breakfast Group, headed by founder Eric Yu, who is behind leading London bars and restaurants including Opium Chinatown, Salvador & Amanda, Jerusalem, and 68 & Boston and managed by Samuel Jeavons, previously at London Cocktail Club and Barrio Group and Sydney rum bar Grandma’s.
Latin nights, Havana good time
Bar snacks and small plates complement each cocktail including Brazilian cheese buns, seabass ceviche, molasses glazed pork ribs and empanadas with curried lamb, sweet potato, peanut potato, cauliflower, sultana and turmeric.
Signature cocktails will include Mary’s Pickled, made with Bacardi Heritage rum, maraschino liqueur, pineapple shrub, clementine juice and pomegranate, and the luxuriously twisted Grasshopper Deluxe, combining Plantation Original Dark rum, chocolate liqueur, crème de menthe, milk and cream. Also take on the grasshopper challenge – washing down a grasshopper with a shot of rum.
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