Rum afficionados on Glasgow’s south side now have their own rum emporium in the shape of The Rum Shack, which officially opened mid-September.
However the bar, on the site of the The Old Kind Man, has been operating since August putting on events and tastings. Owned by Tobago-born, Brian Austin, and partners Michael Smith and Lewis Macaulay, the newly-opened Rum Shack offers more than 30 rums, and a creative Caribbean-inspired menu and it has, as you might expect, an up-cycled vibe.
Michael told DRAM, “We are all southsiders and we have always wanted to open here. We signed the deal last November but it took longer than expected to get in. We did open a pop up in the function space for the Commonwealth, called ‘Roots & Culture Commonwealth Pop-Up’, but now we are fully operational.” The bar and restaurant has a capacity of 430, and the guys already have a reputation for reggae and caribbean food having operated the West Indies inspired Fire in Babylon, for the past three years. This not-for profit organisation brings people together through West Indian music, culture and food via the Roots Kitchen.
They also are actively involved in a Roots and Culture weekend. Says Michael, “There are a lot of good operators in this area and they have all been very supportive. The Rum Shack brings a slightly new offering and with more than 30 rums on offer, some great cocktails, and some genuine Caribbean-style food, such as jerk chicken, goat curry and rice and peas; there is something for everyone. There are also a lot of reggae fans on the south side, in fact there was a regular night at the Pollokshields working mens’ club called La Roche Rumba and we have seen a lot of familiar faces from there coming into the bar.” He continues, “The function space is substantial and it’s only down 10 stairs or so from the main bar. We’ve also got a massive beer garden, which is still being worked on. But it means that this will be a great winter and summer venue ideally suited to live music events.”
The Rum Shack is at 657-659 Pollokshaws Road.