Dub Jam: The Caribbean comes to London
There is certainly no sign of ‘Dry January’ in Dub Jam. We popped into the cosy Jamaican rum shack last night and it was full to the brim. Admittedly, it is a small space but every table was taken and people were waiting patiently outside the door at times for a free standing spot to become available.
Dub Jam is a vibrant bar in Covent Garden
The rum punch was in full flow and this is a cocktail that is unique to the venue. Even if you are not usually partial to this spirit, you should not let one of their trademark tipples pass you by. It is made from very strong Jamaican rum and pumped through the speakers before it even reaches your glass, which is a tin can.
After all, Dub Jam is all about ‘up-cycling’. The vibrant Caribbean bar makes the most of recycled goods and gives them a new and rather stylish life in Covent Garden. The bar is located in the heart of London’s theatre district and even the Dub Jam lettering inside has been compiled using borrowed initials from other major brands. The D came from MacDonalds and the M originates from Monsoon’s logo. Meanwhile, the lighting is in the form of rescued buoys and the furniture is all from reclaimed materials.
The owners are passionate about Dub Jam
The bar has an excellent atmosphere, even on the quieter days, and the food is inspired by traditional Jamaican cuisine. Think generous skewers with spicy jerk chicken and peppers or Halloumi paired with Scotch Bonnets. Other highlights are the Happy Handmade gourmet Jamaican Patties, which have a flaky pastry shell and are packed full of a savoury meat or vegetable filling.
The Beef Burgers can come with Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork or Beef Brisket and all of the meat used in the dishes is marinated for significant periods of time to ensure the best flavour is achieved. The sweet potatoes and slaw, which features a tropical coconut taste, are also excellent as side dishes.
Food includes delicious Jerk Chicken skewers
While many people choose to escape to the Caribbean at this time of year, for those of us stuck in London, Dub Jam is the next best place. If you face inwards, with your head turned away from the gloomy skies outside, you could quite easily be sitting in a rum shack on a beach in Jamaica.
The knowledgeable staff clearly embrace the Caribbean culture and want to bring it right to the heart of London. They are passionate about Dub Jam and it is no wonder that so many people visit time and time again once they have discovered this gem. With plans to take over two further venues, now is when you should make the most of the Dub Jam craze and take a trip to where it all started at the original bar in Covent Garden.
The Rum Punch is excellent
DubJam is located at 20 Bedford Street, London. We strongly recommend that you book a table for your visit to guarantee a spot. You can do so by visiting the website http://www.dubjam.co.uk or calling 0207 836 5876
