Black Barrel gets into the city centre spirit

A new ‘intimate’ rum bar with a laid-back vibe will become the latest drinks venue to open on Castle Street on Friday 15th March.

Its name, Black Barrel, pays tribute to the method of ageing rums and other dark spirits in a charred barrel to intensify their taste and add richness.

It’s a small, intimate bar that sits around 40 people - who will get to chill out with some brilliant rums, delicious food and acoustic live bands.

Visitors to Black Barrel will take a journey into the world of rum and get the opportunity to enjoy maverick brands like Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum and Bajan Rum Sixty Six, while cocktail lovers can choose from an extensive cocktail menu or cocktail flight.

Head chef Bryony Stratton and Mexican chef Luis Michel have created a menu of twelve small plates, with culinary influences from Latin American and Caribbean countries.  

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Black Barrel on Castle street will specialise in rum

General manager, Danielle Hamm, originally from the Wirral, will run the new bar. Sharp-eyed drinkers might recognise her from previous stints working at Neighbourhood and Gusto.

“As consumers wake up to the fact that rum has so much to offer, they’re beginning to experiment in a way they’ve never done before,” says Danielle. ‘It is affordable, accessible and versatile with so many regional styles to explore now, so it’s an exciting time to be opening a bar like this.”

She goes on to explain how Black Barrel will bring something different to Castle Street, thanks to its cool and laid-back vibe.  

“It’s a small, intimate bar that sits around 40 people, who will get to chill out with some brilliant rums, long drinks and cocktails, as well as some delicious food, fantastic music and acoustic live bands.”     

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Neighbours Rudy's opened on Castle Street late last year

Castle Street has welcomed a stream of new food and drink businesses recently including Rudy’s Pizza (reviewed here) and Liverpool Gin Distillery (reviewed here) - which is owned by the same parent company Halewood Wines & Spirits, an award-winning UK-based craft distiller specialising in high growth premium spirits such as Whitley Neill, J. J. Whitley, City of London Distillery, Marylebone Gin and Liverpool Gin, Gelston’s Irish Whiskey and Crabbie Whisky. 

“This part of the city has become a real destination area for locals and visitors because it offers so many exciting food and drink options,” adds Danielle. “There’s a real buzz about the area - we can’t wait to open our doors and join in.”

The Black Barrel Rum bar will open at 6 Castle Street on Friday March 15th.