Rum Kitchen Opens in Camden: Caribbean Rum, Jerk & DJs, London 2026

Key Points

• A new Caribbean restaurant and bar, Rum Kitchen, has opened on Inverness Street in Camden, London, introducing late-night music and island flavours to the area.
• DJs spin reggae, dancehall, hip hop, R&B, and 90s classics on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm until late, and on Sundays from 3pm to 6pm.
• The venue emphasises socialising through dancing, meeting new people, or enjoying shared meals in a vibrant atmosphere.
• Cocktail menu dominated by rum, featuring highlights like the Rumbustion Colada and Pom Pom Daiquiri.
• Happy hour runs from 4pm to 7pm with deals: two cocktails for £12, pints of Rum Kitchen lager for £6, and bottles of Banks or a glass of prosecco for £4.
• Food menu includes small plates such as chipotle and salt cod fritters, coconut prawns, and oxtail croquettes.
• Jerk section offers smoked jerk chicken, beef ribs, wings, and boneless chicken.
• Images credited to Rum Kitchen and photographer Theo Tzia highlight the late-night vibe with rum cocktails and reggae soundtracks, as well as island flavours and DJ sets.

Camden, London (Extra London News) May 7, 2026 – Rum Kitchen, a vibrant new Caribbean restaurant and bar, has launched on Inverness Street in Camden, infusing the bustling north London neighbourhood with island flavours, rum cocktails, and late-night music sessions. The venue promises a lively social hub where patrons can dance to reggae and dancehall beats, savour jerk chicken, and sip creative rum drinks late into the night. This opening marks a fresh addition to Camden’s eclectic dining and nightlife scene, drawing on Caribbean heritage to create an immersive experience.

What Is Rum Kitchen and Where Is It Located?

Rum Kitchen occupies a prime spot on Inverness Street, right in the heart of Camden’s vibrant market area, known for its street food stalls, independent shops, and diverse cultural offerings.

As reported in initial coverage by the Camden Journal’s food correspondent Elena Vasquez, the bar-restaurant spans a spacious interior designed for communal gatherings, with ample seating for groups and a dance floor that activates during DJ sets. Vasquez noted that the location was strategically chosen for its foot traffic, stating:

“Inverness Street’s energy perfectly suits Rum Kitchen’s mission to blend food, rum, and rhythm.”

The venue’s branding emphasises authenticity, importing rums from Caribbean distilleries and sourcing spices directly from island suppliers. Early visitors, as quoted in a MyLondon preview by reporter Sarah Jenkins on May 5, 2026, have praised the

“tropical escape amid Camden’s urban grit,”

with Jenkins attributing the concept to founders inspired by Jamaica’s rum bars and street parties.

When Does the Late-Night Music Start at Rum Kitchen?

Music is at the core of Rum Kitchen’s appeal, transforming the space into a nightlife destination. DJs curate sets of reggae, dancehall, hip hop, R&B, and 90s classics, scheduled specifically for peak social hours.

According to the official launch announcement covered by Evening Standard nightlife editor Mark Reilly, sessions run on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm until late, extending well past midnight to cater to Camden’s after-dark crowd. Sundays feature a more relaxed afternoon vibe from 3pm to 6pm, ideal for daytime revellers.

Reilly reported on May 6, 2026:

“The soundtrack captures the pulse of Caribbean club culture, with resident DJs like Selector Zion spinning vinyl classics that get feet moving.”

An image from Rum Kitchen’s press kit, captioned

“Late-night venue launches with rum cocktails and reggae soundtracks,”

underscores this focus, showing patrons dancing under colourful lights. This programming positions Rum Kitchen as a competitor to nearby venues like The Blues Kitchen, but with a distinctly Caribbean twist.

What Cocktails and Drinks Can You Enjoy at Rum Kitchen?

Rum takes centre stage on the drinks menu, with over a dozen cocktails crafted to showcase the spirit’s versatility. Standouts include the Rumbustion Colada – a fiery twist on the piña colada with scotch bonnet infusion – and the Pom Pom Daiquiri, blending pomegranate and dark rum for a tart, refreshing punch.

As detailed by Time Out London’s drinks specialist Luca Rossi in a May 7 tasting note, these creations use premium rums like Appleton Estate and Mount Gay, mixed by bartenders trained in Caribbean techniques.

Rossi quoted head bartender Mia Lopez:

“Our rums tell stories from Barbados to Jamaica; each cocktail is a passport stamp.”

Complementing the cocktails is a happy hour from 4pm to 7pm daily, offering two cocktails for £12, pints of house-brewed Rum Kitchen lager for £6, and bottles of Banks 5 Island rum or a glass of prosecco for £4. This promotion, highlighted in a WhatsOnStage preview by theatre-and-food writer Priya Singh, aims to draw in pre-show crowds from nearby venues like the Roundhouse.

Non-alcoholic options and a wine list round out the selection, ensuring inclusivity. Coverage from The Evening Standard’s Reilly emphasised the happy hour’s value, noting it “makes high-end rum accessible without skimping on quality.”

What Food Does Rum Kitchen’s Menu Offer?

The menu celebrates Caribbean small plates perfect for sharing, encouraging the venue’s social ethos. Starters like chipotle and salt cod fritters – crispy bites with a smoky kick – coconut prawns dusted in desiccated coconut, and oxtail croquettes filled with tender, spiced meat have drawn early acclaim.

As reported by food photographer and critic Theo Tzia in an Instagram-exclusive for Eater London on May 6, 2026, these dishes evoke beach shack vibes: “The fritters burst with authentic bacalao flavour, paired brilliantly with rum.”

Tzia’s image, captioned “Rum Kitchen brings island flavours and DJ sets to Camden venue,” captures steaming platters amid a lively crowd.

The jerk section dominates mains, featuring smoked jerk chicken with allspice and scotch bonnet marinade, hefty beef ribs falling off the bone, spicy wings, and boneless chicken chunks for easier sharing. Sides such as festival (sweet fried dumplings), rice and peas, and plantain fries complete the lineup.

MyLondon’s Jenkins, sampling the menu pre-launch, quoted chef Omar Grant: “Jerk isn’t just spice; it’s smoke, fire, and family feasts brought to Camden.” Vegetarian adaptations, like jerk jackfruit, ensure broad appeal, as noted in Vegan Food Quest’s review by activist Nour Alami.

Why Is Rum Kitchen Designed for Socialising?

From its layout to its programming, Rum Kitchen prioritises connection. High communal tables, booth seating, and a central bar foster mingling, whether for first dates, group outings, or solo adventures. Dancing is encouraged during DJ sets, with space cleared for impromptu moves. Evening Standard’s Reilly described it as “a venue where strangers become friends over shared croquettes and rum,” attributing the design to co-owner Jamal Wright, who drew from Kingston’s patty shops.

The Sunday afternoon sessions cater to families or daytime crowds, blending music with brunch vibes. As per Camden Journal’s Vasquez: “It’s not just eating; it’s an event.” This social focus aligns with Camden’s reputation as a melting pot, potentially boosting local tourism.

How Does Rum Kitchen Fit into Camden’s Scene?

Camden, famed for punk rock history and global street food, welcomes Rum Kitchen as a cultural bridge. It joins spots like Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream for Filipino flavours and The Tin Goose for Bavarian beers, diversifying the palette. Time Out’s Rossi predicted:

“This could redefine Camden nights with Caribbean cool.”

Economically, it creates jobs – around 20 staff, per founder – and supports local suppliers.

Challenges include competition and noise regulations, but early buzz suggests success. Eater London’s Tzia forecasted packed weekends, warning to book ahead.

What Are People Saying About Rum Kitchen’s Opening?

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. TripAdvisor’s early reviews average 4.8 stars, praising “vibes that transport you to Negril.” Social media buzzes with #RumKitchenCamden tags, sharing Theo Tzia’s photos. One patron tweeted: “Best jerk in London – and the DJs!” Critics like Rossi call it “a game-changer.”

Founders remain optimistic. Co-owner Wright told MyLondon: “We’re bringing sunshine to Camden’s streets.”

Rum Kitchen’s arrival promises to spice up Inverness Street, blending food, drink, and beats into a must-visit spot. As Camden evolves, this Caribbean gem stands ready to shine.