MANCHESTER’S first ever Rum Festival is sold out, so in the build-up to the big day, Saturday, June 3, it’s worth schmoozing any bibulous buddies for a spare hot ticket.
It all kicks off with a VIP rum brunch, hosted by Prosser’s, at Home Sweet Home in the Great Northern with the festival proper running from 12pm to 5pm in Revolución de Cuba across Peter Street.
Across town, Mad Men inspired bar and restaurant The Pen and Pencil will be hosting its own take on a Caribbean brunch with rum favourite Chairman’s Reserve, from 10am-4pm. St Lucia inspired cocktails will be on offer, alongside brunch classics and a spot of Soca music for the party vibe. The brunch events will not be ticketed but are based on a first come, first serve basis, and bookings can be made directly via Home Sweet Home (0161 660 3303) and The Pen and Pencil (0161 300 8121).
The Rum Festival, masterminded by freelance drinks curator Dave Marsland, will boast over 40 types of rum including Bacardi, Chairman’s Reserve, Diplomático, Sailor Jerry and Mezan, alongside drinks sponsor Coco Re’al. Full list here.
Dave Marsland said: “Rum is a staple within the Manchester bar scene, especially with the popularity of venues such as Revolución De Cuba, so I wanted to celebrate it. There’s so many incredible rum brands I felt the best way to celebrate them would be with a festival.
“The festival will host entertainment, themed food and drinks offers and gifts, so we really are going all out, plus there’ll be events running throughout the day to get everyone in Manchester involved.”
Afterparties will be taking place across the city, to follow on from the festival as it comes to a close at 5pm. Follow @McrRumFestival to keep in touch with fringe events that have sprung up.
Check out Dave Marsland and partners’ new spirits venture, Riddles Emporium in Altrincham.