Leeds is set to welcome its first ever Rum Festival next month when two of the city’s finest bartenders come together at the Corn Exchange to host a world class event.
Sam Fish (UK Ambassador of Eldorado Demerara Rum and Operations Manager for Mojo) has teamed up with Dan Crowther (The Hedonist Project and Ambassador for Rumbullion) to celebrate the drink they are both passionate about.
“Rum is the most diverse spirit category in the world,” says Sam.
“The way that it’s made varies massively from country to country; Dan and I believe this should be celebrated and so we are bringing some incredible brands to the rum lovers, and indeed the rum virgins, of Leeds.”
Sam and Dan have worked several Rum Festivals around the UK and decided that with their contacts and knowledge they should be the ones to host the first one in Leeds.
“We started with the Corn Exchange,” says Dan. “It’s a beautiful building, in a great location and is very supportive of independent projects as well as larger brands; it seemed to us to be the perfect place. Fortunately we didn’t have to look any further as Adam [Warner – events Manager at the Corn Exchange] was immediately on board.”
There will be over 50 brands of rum – some very well-known, some lesser known – making up the event; each will offer samples to ticket holders free of charge.
Sam continues “Master classes will be hosted by brand ambassadors allowing rum lovers new and old to discover more about their favourite tipple from the people that know the most about them. Masterclasses from Diplomatico, Havana Club, El Dorado to name a few”
A cocktail bar featuring brands such as Re’Al Syrups, Havana Club, Appleton Estate, Santa Teresa and Rumbullion will also offer unique drinks developed by Dan and Sam.
With live music and DJs, local Caribbean food alongside some of the best bagels and burgers in town, Leeds first Rum Festival promises to be a fantastic event.
Leeds Rum Festival is at The Corn Exchange, Leeds City Centre, on Saturday 15th October from 12pm to 5pm. Standard Entry – including access to master classes and free samples: £12VIP Entry – including all of the above plus a drink token: £17.50
Tickets available from Eventbrite.com
Advance booking advisable