As the temperature rises, the sun shines down and the smell of barbecues hit the nostrils, you know that the rum season is well and truly approaching.
So what better way to kick off the celebration of summer and get the creative rum juices flowing than with Urban Leisure Group’s annual Rum Off.
This year the first-round heats are being held at Bobby Fitzpatrick, 273 West End Lane, London, NW6 1QS on the 8th May from 7pm.
Tickets are on sale now for £9 which includes entrance, four cocktails and the ability to vote. To purchase a ticket, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-rum-off-2019-round-1-08th-may-tickets-58110712706.
Rum Boss Joins The Goslings Party
We’re delighted that the amazing Lawrence Gregory – aka The Rum Boss – has agreed to be Goslings ambassador in this year’s shake off.
Born and bred in Birmingham, Lawrence learnt his trade working in pubs before finding his passion for spirits, and especially rum, through roles in various London bars such as Rules Restaurant, Trailer Happiness and The Rum Kitchen.
We sat down with Lawrence to find out what gets him out of bed in the morning, what we should expect from this year’s Rum Off and what other plans he has for 2019.
How did you get to where you are?
“Whilst gaining my business management degree, I was still working in hospitality for Wetherspoons, which gave me fantastic training as I worked my way up to being an assistant manager. Beforehand I was a proper ale drinker, but eventually I wanted a change in hospitality. Three years ago I went for a short cocktail course, and I knew I found my calling. Since the course, my life has been one long journey of discovery into the world of spirits and cocktails. I still feel I have only just scratched the surface so I’m incredibly excited about the future.
What should we expect from the Rum Off?
I love events like these as they’re not only an opportunity for mixologists to have a play around and experiment but they’re a brilliant chance to spread the word about rum and get people to try something a bit different.Rum is such a diverse category and one I think has a long way to go so I’m excited to be working with Goslings and am confident I have a drink to impress in the first round.
What is it that is so special about rum?
I like the fact that there are no rules when it comes to producing rum which means the variety available is immense. I also love that British history is entwined with that of rum and with a Jamaican mother, I’m also drawn to the spirit’s Caribbean heritage. Whether it’s for sipping, a rum old fashioned and other cocktails, rum brings so much to the flavour palate.
Don’t give too much away but why do you love Goslings and what can we expect from your cocktail in the first round?
During my time at The Rum Kitchen I was lucky enough to meet and get to know Emily Gosling whose passion is infectious so Goslings quickly became a favourite of mine. For the first round this year, I have gone for a real thirst-quenching, fruit forward refined rum cocktail that showcases some of the key ingredients found in Bermuda and the country’s biggest export – Goslings. Expect tropical flavours, a little spice and plenty of rum character.