The Camden Rhum Shack
Heading up to Camden for our first time at Cotton's, we find a bar that is small but perfectly formed with a familiar vibe. It was like being back in the Caribbean because it was so chilled and the air full of people enjoying themselves.
A wide selection of rum (200 we are told) - Sailor Jerry's, Green Island, El Dorado, J Bally, Mount Gay, Chairman's Reserve, Havana club, Appleton, Diplomatico, Angostura, Bacardi, Sunset just to name a few. There are so many rums that you would be spoilt for choice. There is a separate shelf dedicated to Cachaça, but we are pleased to say that other spirits were few and far between. Good selection of Caribbean beer though.
We were very lucky and got the last table for 2 and sat very smug at the bar with this thought. Quite a few people continued to call or turn up hoping to get a table later on that evening, but were told Cottons was fully booked and the least they could hope for was for someone to cancel or just not turn up. We were told if you did not turn up within 15 minutes of your booking the table was given up so there was a chance for the others. We heard a couple of friends trying to put off ordering because their friend 'soon come', but the staff had to be firm - as it was, she really did turn up shortly afterwards and so a scene was avoided. The bar can hold a maximum of 40 people so even if you can't get a table to eat you can at least have a drink and enjoy some of the bar snacks. The restaurant can seat 80 people in total. There are two seating's for dinner - the first being 6 to 9pm. There was a party going on when we arrived and when they had finished the room was being set up for another.
There are three rooms in which food is served: Margarita, St. Lucia and Barbados. All are stylishly fitted out, one felt like Grannies front room (but in a nice way). All are comfortable and cosy, without being too cramped. A top notch menu, with contemporary takes on traditional Caribbean dishes gives you plenty of options. Pete had Curried Goat with rice and peas (he can't help himself) while I had the Mixed Jerk Grill (way too big to finish - my eyes were bigger than my belly!). Next time we are looking for a place to have a party - I reckon this has to be top of the list.
Cotton's in Camden is managed by Ian Burrell and quite how he manages to fit's work in with his other activities, namely The Rum Experience, which takes him all around the world is any ones guess. Ian say's you need to make time. I've not mastered the art of finding those extra five hours a day that he finds, but I'm going to keep practising. The Rum Ambassador is kept busy but still finds time to talk to Peter and I. He tells us that the following Monday evening, the cookery program 'Put your menu where your mouth is' is to be filmed right here in Cotton's. It's valuable advertising, but this is strange in itself - Cotton's doesn't really advertise, relying on word of mouth to keep the place full.
Pete has tried to make friends with some of the rarer rums on the back bar and is a little drunk. But we've been introduced to Papa Jules of Mahiki fame by Ian and had a great dinner - all in all, a fantastic experience and well worth a visit.
http://www.cottons-restaurant.co.uk/camden/rhumshack.html
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