Bottling the Very Spirit of Scarborough, With Its Very Own Rum

By A Venturing Nomad.

Filey food festival with its stunning backdrop of the bay early on a summer morning, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the south of France as the trees along the ridge of the crescent gardens pictorially frame the vista of the beach that lies below, soaking up the sunrise.

A voice rang out, bringing me back to reality. " Would you like to try some rum?" Honestly, it was not exactly what I had in mind, as I was still tasting toothpaste. I was more inclined to find a coffee truck!

In Greek mythology, the Sirens are human-like sea creatures with alluring voices who have been known to save doomed ship crews from disaster by entrancing them away from danger. Seeing as my only danger this morning was potentially substandard coffee, I was nonetheless drawn to the invitation, and I'm so glad I did.

In this instance, the Sirens are Jamie and Anna, a delightful duo so passionate about their business it was hard not to be totally entranced. 

Relatively a newcomer to the scene, Scarborough's very own spirit both delights and delivers, and that starts with the owner/founders. Only a few minutes into meeting them, you are entirely at ease and feel like you are engaging with lifelong friends; they are both knowledge and none sales focused, and their non-pushy style is a refreshing respite.

Able to answer any question or enquiry with ease, this effortless elegance translated seamlessly into their product, which even at this time of day, was a delight. A steady stream of visitors stopped to try whilst I was standing there and few very did not buy. 

The rum itself comes in two forms, the dark and the golden, with most people taking away a bottle of each. Carefully crafted using only the finest Caribbean rum combined with local heather honey a terrific blend of East (Yorkshire) meets West (Indies).

Not content with simply launching a new product into a challenging marketplace, these inspiring entrepreneurs are also working  in collaboration with of a brand new entity known as the Distillers Lounge, which occupies the old Scarborough Evening News offices on Aberdeen Walk in the town. The interior is amazing and has clearly been a labour of love for the team, who offer not only a place to drink but also somewhere to learn the art of distilling and soon, cocktail making.

Whilst the mythical sirens were a call to safety, I think in this instance, the call is to adventure and to visit their amazing abode or gift one of the extraordinary experiences to a loved one for Christmas. Yes, that is just around the corner, and if you feel like being super sneaky, book a distilling class experience for two and invite yourself along for the ride.

Distilling always needs a little magic ingredient, and the sirens have that in 'buckets and spades', capturing the very essence of the town in Scarborough's very own spirit. Sirens Rum has a strong body that you'd expect, yet it has warmth from the unique combination of botanicals and local ingredients. Just like the town itself, it has a strength and resilience that first attracts you with a warmth that keeps you coming back.  

Not travelling overseas until age 19, this Venturing Nomad's work and life have taken her to just under 70 countries, with more adventures always planned. Twelve years as a Diplomat led to excitement and adventures across the globe, and she is now enjoying travelling with her young daughter and seeing the world afresh through her eyes.

A published author in fact and fiction, she firmly believes in the mantra "take only photos - leave only footprints". More of a feeder than a foodie, she has cooked her way around the globe, from the hill tribes in Thailand, Nonna's kitchen in Italy to the beachfront hotel in Morocco. There is always a story and, more importantly, a recipe.

You can contact her at [email protected]