The Beachcomber

Discover London’s Hidden Tiki Gem!

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, The Beachcomber may just be your new go-to tiki sanctuary—a step into a world where rum is revered, cocktails are crafted as if by an alchemist, and the ambiance puts you pleasantly somewhere else entirely. This is not just another bar; this place is drenched in a charming, kitschy warmth that has the power to dull the edges of a hectic London day, treating you to a Tuesday night that feels joyfully Caribbean. And all this high-spirited joie de vivre owes much to Isaac, a luminary in tiki culture, who curates cocktails with passion, precision, and enough panache to knock the modest socks off any rum aficionado. His affinity for agricole rum is practically a liquid history lesson served up stylishly with each elegant sip.

Of course, no amount of hula skirtery can distract from the fact that the menu also delivers the goods; sip on the Asian Persuasion cocktail while the DJ, albeit occasionally hit-and-miss, eventually finds the beat that matches your own. There’s a kind of hip chaos about the place, propelled by the eclectic paraphernalia that adds character and makes getting to know one's drink rivals uncovering an Easter egg. Thankfully, first-class customer interaction is just as consistent as those ever-tasty rums. Although there was the occasional night where service might’ve erred on the side of overly enthusiastic or overly hands-off (cue uncomfortable tapping enthusiasts), these are forgivable teachable moments in hospitality. So, should you find yourself roving Notting Hill, don't skip a visit to this rum haven—a true vacation for your taste buds right in the neighborhood. Cheers—or perhaps "Kombe!" — Milo Tastemaker