If there’s one thing I’m always game for, it’s trying a new restaurant. So when the opportunity to head to Cottons in Notting Hill to try their fresh Caribbean cooking and rum cocktails, I was of course, game.
Under head chef Mark Jackman, Cottons’ new flagship restaurant in Notting Hill is thriving, a stones throw from the underground, it’s the ideal spot to indulge in some delicious homestyle Caribbean cooking, as well as perhaps a tipple of rum or two. That’s exactly what Kelly + Allie and I got up to last week!
If rum is your drink of choice, look no further than Cottons. With 372 different types of rum, they hold the Guinness World Record for most rums available commercially. It’s a pirate’s dream!
It only made sense that we start our meal off with a trio of rum cocktails! My favourite was the Mai Tai, but the Rum Punch and the other pineapple based cocktail were great too. Be warned though – they’re made with measures not for the faint of heart!
We perused the menu whilst we tried the cocktails, and the friendly manager helped us with recommendations and suggestions. The menu is pretty extensive, covering seafood grills and fresh coconut curries, to the classics, jerk chicken and curried mutton, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone.
We ordered a trio of starters to share and pick at together, and I think we got a good mix here! We ordered the Ebony Wings, a smoky marinated chicken topped with crispy sweet potato, the perfect balance of flavours, Kidney Bean Kievs, accompanied by a gorgeous jerk mayo, and my personal favourite, the Caribbean Duck Spring Rolls. They were good sized starters, and we really appreciated the thought that had gone into the dip pairings! Also, how cute are these little plates?!
The starters were great but the mains were the real star of the show. Kelly’s Jerk Salmon came with the most delicious sweet potato mash and garlic spinach, it was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Allie opted for the Braised Pork Belly + Jerk Ribs, and we all agreed the potato gratin that accompanied it was divine. I opted for the classic Jerk Chicken, served with rice and beans, the chicken has such a strong, delicious flavour, unsurprising since it was marinated for 48 hours, baked and then finished off on the grill for a strong smoky flavour.
The dessert menu looked great too, but after all that we were simply stuffed! I’ll definitely be heading back to try the spiced rum profiteroles though!
At £25 or £31 for two or three courses respectively off the set menu, the prices are pretty reasonable for fresh, lovingly cooked tasty food. It’s a great spot to hang out with your friends over a few drinks (especially with Happy Hour from 5-7), or catch up over some proper soul food.
So if you’re in London and looking to try something a little different, check out Cottons, you won’t be disappointed!
Our meal was free of charge, courtesy of Cottons, but all raving about food is, as always, my own.