Apparently there’s a heat wave in London? Have you missed it like I have? Most of you know I’ve been traveling throughout the states this summer, where it’s been equally hot, hot, hot. So it only made sense for me to tell you about a restaurant visit I went on a little while ago in the big smoke.
The heat had just started to descend upon London. The days were sticky and so was the tube.
So we had the perfect revelation, a mini gals holiday to rum-town at Cottons Rum Shack in Notting Hill. I can’t tell you how many times when I lived in the area and would be jogging home, I’d spot various Notting Hill restaurants and say.. I need to go here.
And boy, I’m pretty mad at myself for taking so long.
So myself in tow with Allie and Jaye, we made the quick journey to Cottons. It’s about a five minute walk from Notting Hill Gate station.
The decor transports you to your holiday. The wallpaper is fun, and worth using as an Instagram backdrop – hey – you’ll think it when you see it. And the rum-cocktails are a dream. Actually Cottons holds the Guinness World Record for rum varieties… 372 to be exact. So you know you’ve got choices available for even the pickiest drinker!
We selected the a Rum Punch, Mai Tai and a Rum and Ting.
Following getting our holiday drink on, we ordered from their evening set menu.
Starting with a selection for all of us to enjoy: Caribbean Duck spring rolls, Ebony wings and Kidney Bean Kievs.
And onto the mains, I followed the recommendation of our server for Jerk salmon. Allie had the Jerk Spatchcock chicken and Jaye the Braised Pork Belly & Jerk pork ribs. We couldn’t even manage dessert we were too full.
Simply put, it’s good, home cooked comfort food. Maybe not exactly what you’d tuck into on a scorching hot summer’s day with all the heat… But the drinks keep you cool and the company keeps you laughing.
It felt hard to leave the restaurant – we could have stayed all night sipping on Caribbean rum cocktails. But trains were calling our name, so we packed up our passports to paradise and headed back into the London night.
I’d definitely recommend Cottons for a stop in off the beaten (and usual path) of Notting Hill hotspots. It’s a hidden gem that’s a quick walk away, and the service is excellent.
Kelly xox
PS. You can get the set menu at Cottons for £25 for two courses or three courses for £31. We were guests of Cottons Notting Hill, but all review opinions and photographs are my own.
If you’re looking for other Notting Hill/Kensington restaurant recommendations try Peyotito, Egg Break, or Alexandrie.