The capital is set to see the debut of Edinburgh’s first speciality rum bar next week as Ruma takes over the space occupied by Treacle on Broughton Street.
Opening on March 29, Ruma, which is Scots Gaelic for “rum”, will carry over 100 bottles of the spirit making it the largest rum collection in Scotland.
The new independent bar will be run by Jamie Shields and Steven Aitken, two seasoned veterans of the Scottish bar industry, who are aiming for a laid-back bar where the rum speaks for itself.
Listing rums from as far as Barbados, Guyana and Fiji, Ruma as well as a wide range of Scottish rums from producers such as Ninefold Distillery, J. Gow, Islay Rum and Matugga Rum, it will be offering “high-quality range of signature cocktails including deliciously inventive twists on classic rum serves.”
Ruma Co-Owner, Jamie Shields, said, “Ruma was born, as many good ideas are, over a couple of drinks with a couple of pals. Edinburgh didn’t have a dedicated rum bar – why not? Rum has been growing in popularity every year, and with the growth of Scottish rum distilleries, it was time to remedy that. It’s taken a lot of research and planning but now is the perfect time to launch Edinburgh’s specialist rum bar with summer around the corner.
“There’s something so magical about the Edinburgh hospitality scene and customer’s thirst for knowledge. To have our very own specialist rum bar as a platform to serve & educate people is a dream come true. We’ve got rums from all over the world. Also some beautiful bottles from right here in Scotland. We can’t wait to open our doors, see familiar faces and make new friends. We are so excited & so proud to be opening Ruma.”
Steven Aitken, Ruma Co-Owner, added, “From what began with a discussion in a bar between Jamie & I over some spectacular rum, we decided Edinburgh deserves its very own specialist rum bar. Edinburgh’s bar scene has grown from strength to strength over the last decade. Being home to Scotland’s largest collection of rum is something we’re really proud of.
“To see everything come together is incredible. Demonstrating to Edinburgh that rum is a beautiful and versatile spirit is something we are really looking forward to. There’s so many types & variations of this delicious spirit offering endless possibilities of what it can do in cocktails. We can’t wait for the wonderful people of Edinburgh to walk through Ruma’s doors.”
Picture: Steven Aitken (LHS), and Jamie Shields(RHS) Photo Credit: @danny_mcmaniel