Rhum Tavern is a place that was born out of a passion for the history of piracy and a love of rum. The concept for this unique bar had been planned for several years, and its opening was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to relocate. Despite these adversities, the vision to create an authentic pirate tavern in the heart of London survived and was finally realized in late 2024.

Rhum Tavern was inspired by colonial taverns in America, which in the 17th and 18th centuries served not only as places to enjoy a drink, but also as centers of social, political and travel life. These historic taverns often served rum and other strong spirits, which fits perfectly with the London bar concept.

Rum, which is the main star of the Rhum Tavern, has a fascinating history closely tied to piracy and shipping. This distilled alcoholic beverage, made from sugar cane, was an integral part of the lives of sailors and pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy. It was not only a source of pleasure, but also currency, medicine and a way to survive long, monotonous voyages. Pirates often acquired rum during raids on merchant ships, and some of the most famous pirates, such as Henry Morgan and Edward Teach (known as Blackbeard), were great lovers of the liquor.

At Rhum Tavern, the history of rum and piracy is celebrated at every turn. The bar not only offers an impressive collection of more than 400 different rums from around the world, but also educates its guests about the history of the drink and its ties to piracy. Each rum has its own history, origin and character, and the bar's knowledgeable staff will be happy to tell you about these fascinating details.

Interestingly, Rhum Tavern follows the tradition of pirate grogg, an alcoholic beverage that was a standard allotment for British Royal Navy sailors since the 18th century. Grogg consisted of rum diluted with water, with the addition of sugar and lemon or lime juice. This drink not only kept sailors entertained, but also protected them from scurvy thanks to the citrus vitamin C content. At Rhum Tavern, you can try different variations of this historic drink, prepared according to authentic recipes.

Also worth mentioning is the fascinating 'tot of rum' tradition in the British Navy. From 1655 until July 31, 1970 (known as 'Black Tot Day'), Royal Navy sailors received a daily ration of rum. This tradition has lasted more than 300 years and is an important part of British naval history that Rhum Tavern is proud to remind its guests of.

The owners of Rhum Tavern have spent a great deal of time researching historical documents, ship's logs and period accounts to create a place that not only looks like a pirate tavern, but also captures its spirit and atmosphere. Every element of the decor, menu and beverage offerings has been carefully considered to provide guests with an authentic experience.

More than just a bar, Rhum Tavern is a museum of sorts, where you can learn about the fascinating history of piracy, rum and British maritime tradition. It's a place that combines education with entertainment, offering its guests a journey back in time to the fascinating world of pirates, sailors and explorers.

Crossing the threshold of Rhum Tavern, guests are instantly transported to another world - the world of a 17th century pirate ship. The entire establishment is designed to resemble the interior of a pirate ship's hull, with floor-to-ceiling wooden walls that create a unique, immersive atmosphere.

The long, narrow shape of the 1,750-square-foot (roughly 162-square-meter) premises lends itself perfectly to the concept. The curved walls covered with wooden panels, the numerous barrels used as decorative and functional elements, and the carefully selected lighting all make guests feel as if they are aboard a real pirate ship.

One of the most impressive design elements is a bar with a top made of resin in which gold pirate coins are embedded. This detail not only adds authenticity, but also tells a story - pirates often stored their booty in various nooks and crannies of the ship, and gold coins were the most coveted form of prey. The bar is the heart of Rhum Tavern, where unique rum-based cocktails are prepared and served in specially designed vessels, including skull-shaped glasses.

The lighting in Rhum Tavern is designed to simulate natural light penetrating the latticed ceilings and falling on the wooden floors. This effect creates the feeling of being below the deck of a ship, where sunlight breaks through gaps in the planks. Combined with the gentle swaying that can be felt in some parts of the bar (an effect achieved through the special design of the floor), this creates an extremely realistic experience.

The walls of the Rhum Tavern are decorated with replicas of old nautical charts, compasses, sextants and other navigational tools that were essential for pirates and sailors in the 17th century. You can also admire replicas of pirate flags, including the famous 'Jolly Roger' - a black flag with a skull and crossed tibias, which was a symbol of fear on the seas.

In various nooks and crannies of the bar you can find 'hidden treasures' - small details that add depth to the whole experience. These can be the initials of famous pirates carved into the wood, mysterious symbols or fragments of pirate codes. These details encourage guests to explore the space and discover its secrets, just as pirates searched for treasures on unknown islands.

Rhum Tavern can accommodate up to 130 people, and its space is organized to create both open areas for socializing and more intimate nooks where private conversation can be enjoyed. The bar is also tailored to host events for groups of up to 150 people, making it ideal for corporate events, birthdays or other special occasions.

The atmosphere at Rhum Tavern is complemented by carefully selected music that subtly draws on maritime traditions without overwhelming guests' conversations. Both traditional sea shanties and their modern interpretations can be heard, creating a unique soundtrack for a pirate adventure.

The staff at Rhum Tavern, dressed in costumes inspired by the fashion of the pirate era, fits perfectly into the overall narrative of the place. The bartenders and waiters not only serve drinks and food, but also share fascinating stories of pirates, rum and sea adventures with guests, further enriching the whole experience.

It's worth noting that Rhum Tavern, despite its historical character, is not a recreation of a specific tavern from the past, but rather a creative interpretation that combines historical accuracy with modern amenities. It's a place where history comes alive, but not at the expense of comfort and quality of service.

For lovers of the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean' or the book 'Treasure Island,' a visit to Rhum Tavern will be a dream come true - it's like stepping into a world they've previously only known from the screen or pages of books. For those who are not familiar with the pirate theme, it will be a fascinating journey into an intriguing world of sea adventures and discoveries.

The heart of Rhum Tavern's offerings is an impressive collection of more than 400 different rums from around the world. This extensive selection makes the bar one of the most important destinations for lovers of the drink throughout the UK. The collection includes rums from traditional production regions such as the Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados, Cuba), as well as lesser-known varieties from Asia, Africa and South America.

Each rum at Rhum Tavern has its own history and character. Guests can choose from white rums, gold rums, dark rums, spiced rums and many other varieties. For those new to rum, the bar offers tastings led by experts who introduce the fascinating world of the drink, talking about the production process, regional differences and flavor subtleties.

For more experienced connoisseurs, Rhum Tavern has a collection of rare and limited edition rums that are hard to find elsewhere. Some of these unique bottles have their own fascinating history - they may come from small, family-owned distilleries that produce rum according to traditional methods handed down from generation to generation, or be the result of experimental aging techniques in different types of barrels.

In addition to offering on-site rum tastings, Rhum Tavern plans to launch a store a few months after the bar opens. The store will sell most of the rums available at the bar, as well as exclusive bar glassware, apparel and other memorabilia related to the tavern's pirate theme. This is a great opportunity for guests to take a piece of the pirate experience home with them.

The culinary menu at Rhum Tavern, while concise, has been carefully crafted to reflect the diet of sailors and pirates from the Golden Age of Piracy. It focuses on grilled foods that were popular among the sailors of that era. The menu is still under development, but will likely include two fish dishes, two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes.

The fish dishes at Rhum Tavern are inspired by the traditional dishes that sailors prepared aboard their ships. These might include, for example, grilled fillets of fish caught in the waters surrounding the Caribbean, seasoned with herbs and spices that were available to sailors in the 17th century. These dishes are simple but full of flavor, reflecting the pirates' practical approach to cooking.

Meat dishes on the menu follow the tradition of preserving meat for long sea voyages. These can include marinated and grilled cuts of beef or pork, reminiscent of 'jerky' - dried meat that was the primary source of protein for sailors on long voyages. At Rhum Tavern, these traditional methods are reinterpreted in a modern way to please modern palates.

The vegetable options on the menu are inspired by the produce that was available in the ports where pirates and sailors called. These might include grilled root vegetables, which stored well on ships, or fresh salads with citrus fruits, which were prized for their anti-scurvy properties.

All dishes at Rhum Tavern are prepared to complement the rum tasting experience. The menu is designed so that dishes harmonize with the different types of rum, creating a cohesive dining experience.

In addition to the standard menu, Rhum Tavern also offers special tasting dinners where guests can enjoy carefully selected dishes paired with selected rums. These events are led by experts who talk about the history of each rum, its production process and why it was paired with a particular dish.

The bar also offers a wide selection of rum-based cocktails, from classics like the Mojito and Daiquiri to original creations inspired by pirate legends and adventures. Each cocktail has its own story and is served in a way that adds theatricality to the whole experience - perhaps smoke, fire or other special effects that make drinking a cocktail an unforgettable experience.

For those who prefer drinks other than rum, Rhum Tavern also offers a selection of beers, wines and other spirits, as well as soft drinks. However, it is the rum that is the undisputed star of the place, and the entire offering is designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of this fascinating drink.

Prices at Rhum Tavern are affordable, making the place accessible to a wide range of guests. Despite its exclusive nature and unique concept, the bar's owners strive to ensure that everyone can enjoy the pirate experience without overburdening their wallets. This approach reflects the egalitarian spirit of pirate taverns of the past, which were places where people from all walks of life could meet and play together.