The Rum Kitchen in Lambeth

Only thing that saved this place was the pleasant service from the staff. No fries, salt fish buns or plantain in Brixton…. It has gone down since new owner. I won’t be going back as his clearly doesn’t care about his customers or staff who have to put on a front for this shambles. Toilet seat hanging off on a hinge, no lights . Can’t believe his is London 2024 . The poor staff we belittled and embarrassed by our complaints. Owner sort it out please we came across London for this. We should’ve went to Turtle Bay , the birthday meal was ruined!!!

We were told that they only excepted reservation on arrival- in a very harsh manner. Myself and colleague then went out and booked a reservation( this was not suggested to us, just sent away) The person who was rude & not very warm, I later found out was the manager! Very disappointed

Nice buzz atmosphere and very attentive staff. Found the food wasn’t as good as the hype. Over cooked food which was a shame I mean how hard can it be to cooked wings and rivers !!

Had booked a table for 10 at the Brixton branch on the weekend (16th) with my family for some drinks and food - we had the best time! The drinks were flowing and the music was a vibe! Aaliyah gave us the best customer service all night - she was so attentive and made sure we were all enjoyed our time from start to finish.

I have never encountered such a level of disorganization, and I've been working for a startup for 7 years. The staff we interacted with last night should be awarded for their creative and absurd excuses, along with their ability to acknowledge the problem by saying, "This is totally unacceptable, you are right," without taking any corrective action. Our work Christmas party was booked in the private dining room at the Rum Kitchen Shoreditch, with a £50 deposit per head. On the Monday preceding our reservation, we pre-ordered our food menus. We arrived punctually at 6:30 pm to a disorganized and chaotic scene, raising suspicions. Tables were strewn with dirty dishes, and the staff appeared overwhelmed. Despite a substantial party of 20 people already seated, there was only one cook. After several minutes without acknowledgment, we finally spoke to the restaurant manager, who informed us that the private dining room would be ready in 10 minutes. When we inquired about ordering drinks during the wait, we were told, "No, we are too busy right now," causing a second wave of apprehension within our team. Thirty minutes later, we were seated in the private dining room, with apologies from the staff claiming that the previous booking had overrun. We saw no evidence of a large party leaving during our 30-minute wait. I requested complimentary drinks due to their responsibility to manage bookings better. A 30-minute delay was already unacceptable, and a simple call could have informed us that this was going to occur. We left a pleasant time elsewhere to be on time for our booking, expecting a modicum of consideration. After an additional 10-minute wait, we received two bottles of rum punch and glasses for approximately 10 people, despite being a party of 15+. We asked for water, non-alcoholic options, and additional glasses. After 45 minutes, we had received nothing, and there was no sign of a waiter, despite our frequent attempts for an explanation. The private dining room, according to the website, includes a private waiter. Each time we inquired about our meal, we were met with new excuses, such as "40 of my staff didn't show up" or "someone called in sick." The cook even claimed, "I wasn't told about you guys." What is quite perplexing is that we did speak to the team during the day, around 3 PM, because we wanted to ensure one meat fest would be halal. Frustrated by the lack of improvement, we decided to leave. We secured another booking at a nearby curry house for 8:30 pm, where the service was prompt, courteous, and efficiently turned the night around. Unfortunately, four team members with commitments or residing further away went without a Christmas meal. We were instructed to contact Kaleam for a deposit refund. Upon calling the next morning, I spoke with the same restaurant manager. Instead of acknowledging their mistakes, I encountered more excuses. When I questioned why water was not brought during the wait, the response was, "but we didn't even have enough glasses!" I cannot adequately express how frustrating this entire experience has been and how many opportunities the staff or management had to improve it. Acknowledging their loss of control and inability to fulfill orders could have been an option, rather than making us wait like inconvenienced patrons in a chaotic environment. To date, I have not received a response from Kaleam regarding a refund or a proper apology. If you are considering planning a private event at the Rum Kitchen, I urge you to think twice. This level of mismanagement does not resolve itself overnight.

The atmosphere was nice, the staff were lovely, however the food was not nice and the chips were warm and should of been hot. Not sure how they got that wrong. The cocktails were really nice and value for money.

The food was awful, over the top spicy and lacked flavour, the staff was nice and the music was good.

Never in my life have I ever tasted pepper coleslaws minus mayonnaise Everything was pepper and lacked flavour I didn't finish my meal because my nose was running due to the intense heat from the food I asked what was in the coleslaw and was told that it had some pineapple dressing all I could taste was pepper on top of pepper never have I had honey on plantain the jolof rice had black bits in it that looked like mouse droppings The fritters although attractive to look at had no salt fish in it overall the food was horrible hence the one star the staff were lovely but that chef needs to go Get Gordon Ramsey down there he'd set him straight This 100% transparent review I wouldn't eat there even if the food was free

Amazing atmosphere - treated like VIPs from staff working very hard - shout out to Precious and Joel - thank you.

Truly horrific food. No spice, looked nothing like the website photos, and burnt to beyond inedible. Same for everyone in our party. Was like chewing on an ash tray. Only saving grace was the small portions meant less food waste.

LOVE this place! The food was great cocktails are lush and the staff are all fab, makes a change to visit a restaurant and be able to relax and take time to chat, eat and drink without being rushed! Cant wait to go back 😍

Made a booking for a large party a week previous. When we got there we was told, no pork, no coleslaw & no rice and peas. Had the brunch, 2 jerk wings?! 2!! Main meal, was ok'ish. Not so nice with chips and wasn't allowed to mix chips and Mac due to lack of rice. Waited over an hour for the first lot of cocktails to be served. Overall not great.

Absolutely excellent customer service - food was done to our preference, the sharing cocktail bottles are brilliant. We went for the "Rude Boy", it was so goof we had to get another. The staff are like a little family they work so well together. Made us feel very well looked after. We actually had plans to start off there and go somewhere else but we couldn't leave! Definitely will be back again and especially with colleagues to enjoy their lunch time special. Big Ups to the manager there too doing a phenomenal job of keeping everything together! Loved it. ❤️❤️

Such a disappointment. We booked a table for 3 and We got sat at a bar table even though there was proper tables free. Got ignored for a long time after being seated…had to beg a waiter to take our order. We ordered a few things for wings and things menu to share and the plates were bought out without us being given plates or cutlery, had to ask 3 times for plates and cutlery. Also we were there for over an hour but only for one drink each as they took so long to come (for the food way before our drinks). Such a shame the service was so bad because the food was banging. Just tainted it with where we were sat and the terrible service. Really felt like we just were just not really wanted there

On Saturday 15 July at approximately 3pm I went here for a late lunch and I was served raw jerk chicken and raw plantain. This place is a health hazard, if I had not noticed the raw chicken things could have turn bad for me. The staff took my food back to kitchen and was reluctant to give an explanation for the raw chicken, and said the chef would only acknowledge that the plantain was raw (cause of the chicken could have put me in hospital with food poisoning!!) Needless to say we decided to go elsewhere to eat. Staff are very dismissive. Their glasses are also dirty and have crumbs of food stuck to them 🤮, that should have been my first sign to leave. Avoid this place if you value your health and want value for £.

We decided to book for a meal to celebrate my husbands birthday really Flava was booked up so this was second choice. The servers were unknowledgeable regarding the food. After sharing out the menus both food and drink when we ordered then advised us what wasn't available on the menu bizarre. Shouldn't it have been omitted before. Haphazard service seem more anxious about being paid and not serving all the dishes ordered. When we brought to their attention some dishes were cold met with hostility by the young lady.. We were a party of 12 and none of them said it was a lovely meal.. 2 were under 16.. The eldest being 82yr old mother in law. Meat was chewy and cold. I wouldn't return very disappointing.. Just meet for drinks and a chat in future..

Visited rum kitchen this evening for a family meal. Looking forward to the food. All I can say is that the food was an absolute disgrace. Not a pinch of seasoning in any of the dishes. The cheek of calling it Jerk Chicken when you...

It wasn’t busy but the waiter ignored us - another couple waved him down in the end. We ordered a curry but they said there wasn’t any rice (!) so could be have chips instead, no Mac and cheese available either. My friend is vege...

We wanted to give my 7 year old Nephew who is of Jamaican heritage a real taste of the Caribbean on his first visit to London. Arrived at 6:15pm with no one to seat us or give us menus. Seated ourselves and waited. 6.25 I...

Due to visiting Brixton we wanted Authentic Caribbean meal and we found The Rum Kitchen The staff where warm, welcoming and friendly The food was delicious and the drinks very tasty, which was reasonably priced We spoke to the chef, and he was saying he...

I was really looking forward to visiting this place even before I checked into the premier inn just a few doors away. When I arrived I had to wait a little time to be seated even though the restaurant was half empty - but once...

I had high hopes for this place. The service was very bad. Seemed like they over booked. My friends and I ordered food and waited 2 hours… still no food! We asked how long it would take, we were told our food order was not...

The staff are friendly and the location and drinks are great however the food is disappointing. I haven’t seen one Caribbean member or staff, including the chefs which has resulted in bland ‘easy cook’ food. The happy hour is only around 1.50 off and the...

Grest spot fantastic service from jojo very helpful and catering, had family over from ireland having a first time having 🇯🇲 food. and had a great time. Will definitely be back. Big props to jojo for making the experience enjoyable 💯🇮🇪🇯🇲👏💚

I usually like it here. The food is nice. Unfortunately my experience was ruined because they overcharged me for what I had AND charged me twice! I can’t speak to anyone over the phone as nobody answers & they haven’t responded to my email. They...

Great place to go with pals. Wonderful service, especially if you get Jojo - she really looked after us! 🍺

Good place to go with friends- super friendly atmosphere and good drinks. Would recommend for a night out

Last week Thursday (16th February 2023), I had the pleasure of visiting the branch in Brixton. From the moment my friends and I entered the venue we were made to feel welcome. The cocktail drinks were truly outstanding especially the rudeboy. The waitress who assisted...

Amazing cocktails great table service throughout. Looking forward to coning back for food 😋 however your COCKTAILS were too Much 👌

We visited Rum kitchen for their first RK Bottomless Brunch in Brixton and had the pleasure of being served by JoJo with a smile and the best energy!! She gave us the vibes that we wanted for our girlie weekend catch up and kept a...

Ordered x2 Jerk bowls and x1 Fish Meal Rice n peas was super cold and rice had gone off/stale Staff was very helpful and tried to offered free drinks as compensation. Bill was reduced by 20%= £66

Got the worst customer service I have experienced from ANDREW. I normally go rum kitchen often but after my last experience I shall not go back again. He is an absolute con artist, completely lying through his teeth about my order, nothing made sense with...

Jojo was great, recommended the ting wray which was excellent choice. If I were living in Londin wiuld definitely come back

Had a lovely dinner and JoJo was wonderful. She had a smile on her face and made the evening delightful

Will definitely be back - heaps of food and so much flavour. Our server Jojo was also super friendly and helpful

Have to say if I didn't have to give starts I would give 0! So disappointed and will NEVER return to eat there. My friend and I went there and atmosphere was OK but what should have raised alarm bells was the amount of flies...

Third and last time visiting., worst experience out of the three., On entering we were approached by a very arrogant little man,. The food was cold with the exception of the plantain , it appeared the rice was heated up. The past two times the...

We attended to celebrate my daughter and boyfriend moving into a flat together in Brixton. We attended the Rum Kitchen to celebrate - and what a disappointment. There were 6 of us. We tried to order Spiced Rum and Cokes - and we’re told they...

The service was excellent and friendly, however, the food is a disgrace: - Undercooked chips - Undercooked Prawns - Under seasoned jerk chicken which tasted burnt up like coal and was not freshly - cooked and clearly just warmed up and not even hot! The...

Really nice food but the place seemed heavily infested with fruit flies. It was really hard to enjoy the meal and my time there when continuously swatting flies. Not very pleasant or hygienic. Toilets could do with better care too- lack of soap in one...

We went last night, everything just amazing! Jerk chicken, fried fish, fritters, wings, gravy, rice, all of it was just soooo good!! And the rum, wow!! Staff really friendly and kind and the manager was such a lovely guy from Barbados. He chatted to us...

Popped in RK for the first time with my wife and experienced a service like no other in all my years. The barman wasn't just unnecessarily rude he was also rather aggressive. He seemed to have a problem with everyone he spoke to. I don't...

Awesome food and fantastic service from Mariana xxx. Food is delicious and generous portions. We will be back soon. Shot out to the playlist too

I was treated like a queen…delicious cocktails and the staff went above and beyond…I didn’t eat here but the food looked and smelt incredible …can’t wait to come back ….yanni was amazing

Has a Jamaican I was terribly disappointed by the food, the jerk chicken looked like it had been cremated,the chicken bites tasted more like a coal fire covered in maple syrup,but my biggest disappointment was the curry goat which came to my table barely warm...

Mariana served us very well and the food was nice too 👏🏽 …… has a smiley face and was nice to me tooo

I came to this restaurant for a friends birthday and the food, music and atmosphere was excellent!! I would like to thank all the staff, especially Marianna for catering to us with professionalism !! I would recommend to everyone !!!

We had a group dinner here (8 people) and everything went smoothly. Food was fast & tasty with no complaints, staff were friendly (only complaint is the music was too loud & we struggled to talk) cocktails ordered thru the app came out quick. Thanks...

Really disappointing. The menu looked great but was either completely bland or over salted. Plantain was tasteless, not sweet at all. My curry goat was literally strips of fat and the seasoned rice was still crunchy parboiled rice. The drinks were fine but the service...

We were here for a date and both of us were enjoying the vibe. Good music and friendly stuff. Thanks Kaydeann for the cocktail recommendation, loving the Rude Boys.

Vian made our night, amazing service so attentive and helpful, will definitely visit again Steve and friends

Great service, food came quick, staff were friendly, Nabil was awesome. Music was popping, great place

We had a male waiter I can’t remember his name but he was so down to earth and straight vibes. He accommodated us to make us comfortable and we had a great time, we’ll deffo come back!!!

Amazing stuff! Extremely helpful and kind.Their smiles made my day! Also the food was good too and the vibes were on point! ! I definitely will come back!

Came here with the boys and the cocktails and vibes we’re spot on. The service by the waiters were wonderful really did look after us. You can tell they enjoy working in great beautiful environment, we’re definitely coming back!

Please don’t come here expecting good food, the food was basically not Edible. Firstly it’s so cold if you have a Table by the door and management we’re not the best in moving us. Our group of about 7 we’re appalled by the small portion...

Firstly we were told we didn’t have a reservation, even though we had it on our phone. After being seated, we waited half an hour until someone came to take our order. The cocktails were tasty, but over 50% ice (maybe that’s why they were...

Abisha and Roberto honestly made the entire experience worth it. Their hospitality and personalities really made us feel welcome and order more! Honestly such great and lovely people. Will definitely come again !

Was shocking I have never ever been to a place where they leave you to stay cold , it was colder inside than outside asked them to help and didn’t give a damm the staff saw that we were putting are jackets on as we...

We had such a lovely meal (curried goat, fried fish and chickpea curry - all delicious!!) with fast efficient service. I would definitely recommend it and hope to return.

Food barely warm. Asked for no service charge to be added as I gave directly to the lady serving us, they still added nearly £10 so service totalled £15. Had a very rude and inappropriate comment made by the host to me in front of...

Welcome was nice. We waited a long time for our first drink and even longer for the starter which was nice. Mains took forever second drinks had to be asked for several times. Lack of Co-ordination. Pork belly incinerated. Dishes were cold and had to...

For a restaurant that had more staff than customers on entry, the service i received was very poor. It was slow and inconsiderate, after waving down staff to place the order, when food finally arrived, my supposed fresh fish was lukewarm and over cooked. After...

Great cocktails, friendly staff, delicious salt fish fritters, brilliant music. Went for an early evening drink and nibble and loved it

I visited the rum kitchen Brixton branch this Friday and had a brilliant experience. First of all the music and vibes were the best. Second of all our server Silvanna, made our whole time here the best it could be, she made us feel so...

Some of the best quality African food I have ever had. Jerk chicken for mains and y partner has chicken wings. Good value for money and the staff were very friendly. Would highly recommend to go!

Amazing vegan food! Had a great selection for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters.. our whole group loved what they ordered! Staff were very friendly and the restaurant had a great atmosphere.

Despite a great time at the venue, after leaving I checked my bank account to realise I had been charged more than twice on my card for the two rounds of drinks I purchased, coming in at more than £160. I have emailed, called, left...

Firstly, there was a rat running around on the floor...and I mean a rat, not a mouse. No discounts were offered which was pretty shambolic in my opinion. Secondly, the food is at best, average. The food is not authentic and is overrated. Additionally, don't...

Lovely quiet afternoon lunch. Roberto our servor was very attentive and most pleasant I especially enjoyed the Appleton BBQ Jackfruit meal. Look forward to re visiting.

My friends and I attended on a quite busy Friday evening. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The cocktails were tasty and had a great kick! The food was quite varied, presented well and tasted fab

Very loyal customers who won’t be returning. Menu has changed. Portion sizes small. Side order of frozen fries we counted ten chips at the price of £3.95. Mentioned this to the unhelpful waiter who kept replying it’s down to the manager. Charges of £1 for...

I don't know how I missed writing this review before. I have been here a few times. The food is tasty, the staff are friendly and the music just keeps you rocking in your chair. I loved it.

Me and my friends went to Rum Kitchen- and we received excellent customer service, the music was great and we loved the ambiance. However, we were told and even ordered drinks from the happy hour menu (obviously happy hour consists of drinks of 2 for...

Lovely chilled time here with a friend. Great cocktails, brilliant music, friendly and attentive staff. Laid back vibe and relaxing - will definitely be back.

I was looking for a place to eat outside and ended up in this one..actually I wanted always to go there as I have seen it rather busy in the past. Drinks were ok, beer and LDD but the food didn't really meet our expectations....

Had a brill girls. Day out. Lunch. And cocktails at rum kitchen. Brixton Excellent service. Food was. Delicious. Will deffo. Be going again. And will pass on to all that I know. To get down to. RUM KITCHEN. You won’t be disappointed.

Went to Rum Kitchen for the first time on a girls night out. Had the best time ever. Food was amazing. Our waiter Roberto was brilliant. The door lady Camilla was very friendly. I would like to Thank Joel, Camilla and Roberto for a brilliant...

Rene and Joel absolutely brilliant customer service. Definitely recommended. Book in advance so not to be dissapointed.

My aunt and I just spontaneously took a stroll out to get w drink, we went to rum kitchen and I’m telling you the service was AMAZING from the start Georgia the host was great in giving us options on what we can do as...

I came in with my friend for a casual drink, was originally going to stay for one, we ended spending our entire night here, entirely down to Abz and Jelani, they were hands down the most fantastic barmen I’ve met in the few years. They...

Upon leaving a girls dinner, we overheard the manager or a senior member of staff say ‘I don’t care about them, get them out’ so he can usher new customers in. Vile treatment of paying customers. We continued at Turtle Bay where the service was...

Fabulous time for my friends birthday. Renee the host went above and beyond to make our night. Roberto the waiter was fantastic too! Couldn’t recommend it more!! 10/10!!!

First visit since September 2019. I have previously visited and last time I came on my birthday. We ordered the selfish fritters which were tasteless, the spice of the hot scotch bonnet had gone! The curry mutton had no flavour, no heat, spice or taste...

It was a complete joke from the moment we walked in. The lack of service and proffialism specifically from the white woman with blonde hair. We were ignored and left on our table for sometime and when we did ask for the menu or even...

Visited with my partner after lock down eased. Greeted with no sanitiser or signs of social distancing. Staff galavanting In large groups and socialising irresponsibly and will be reporting to Lambeth licensing. Greeted with very eager Member of staff who got the order wrong and...

After months of hype about this place i finally took my partner for a suprise meal for his birthday. Firstly i had emailed prior to explain that it was my partner's birthday and that i would welcome anything they could do at all to make...

The food was pretty below par really, tasted re-heated. The cocktails were a mixed bag, we ordered the same pitcher 3 times and one taste significantly stronger than the other, despite being the same cocktail - probably really generous of one bartender but clear inconsistency...

The jerk chicken and jerk gravy was absolutely incredible - the best I've had outside Jamaica. Less impressed by the curry mutton - my serving only had two pieces of mutton in it, and they were both tough and fatty, and the roti was very...

The food was full of oil unedable. Its a shame how can these people get a license for cooking so poorly The staff need retraining.

Attended for a birthday party on Saturday, have been here before and was looking forward to it. Not sure if the managements changed but standards are horribly low. I ate KFC, which was bland and floppy, followed by fried fish which was not seasoned or...

Came with a group of friends for a Birthday meal. The food was average, one meal was sent back. The service needs improvement although our waiter was very polite and was trying his best. Speaker right by our table and was a bit too loud...

I booked a table to celebrate my birthday with friends and family. Some members of the party were unable to come but the manager decided that I would need to pay £25 for each person that didn’t arrive! One of my party had arrived, but...

Me and 3 friends went here very recently, we booked a table. Got there a few minutes late and were seated very quickly. That was the quickest service we got. After waiting for 10 minutes we went and ordered drinks from the bar (which was...

Okay. I like to give things a second chance & I did when it came to the Rum Kitchen in Brixton. The drinks are completely “watered down” and they know that ........ Sorrel Punch made with Sorrel syrup - watered down!!!! Jamrock Punch - Appleton...

Food was alright_ish but the way the staff approached us was awkward. First of all NOONE was coming to get the order while the place was almost empty and the waitress was messing and kissing with the barman in front of everyone. That's not what...

So I went with my cousin here last Friday night after a (very) local competitor was too busy and the manager there seemed overwhelmed and therefore was rude and unable to even address us properly despite us being told to wait for her to inform...

Food was disappointing. Patties were cold in the middle, callaloo was overcooked and watery. One main meal completely left off the order and sides arrived fifteen minutes after the mains arrived. Though the staff were lovely and friendly, they were not very attentive. We had...

We arrived and didn’t have a booking. Luckily on a Saturday afternoon it is relatively quiet with only a handful of customers. We walked in and there was no staff to welcome us. We did subsequently realise that a lady sitting down worked there and...

Popped in here for a drink one night. It’s a nice bar/restaurant, the music was pumping with decent songs playing. It took a while getting served as the waiters were busy making lots of cocktails, when we finally got them it was worth the wait....