On one of the stickiest days summer has yet thrown at us, I visited a Newland Avenue restaurant still popular with locals after more than a decade in business.
Roots Rum Shack and Kitchen is a restaurant and cocktail bar contained within a relaxed space full of soothing natural wood and vibrant colours.
Its Caribbean-themed menu has curry goat, Jerk ribs, Jamaican patties, coconut shrimp, and plenty of classics such as burgers and chicken wings.
The exciting cocktail menu contained pretty much every drink I could conjure off the top of my head that brought to mind sunshine, deck chairs and ocean spray.
Deciding to taste the “rum” part of Roots Rum Shack and Kitchen, I went for a couple of mojitos which proved to be the best decision I made all week.
(Image: Hull Live)
Muddled lime wedges, white rum, crushed ice, fresh mint, and soda combined beautifully for a refreshing drink that brought out the best of every ingredient.
I have had mojitos that were a bit bland, or where the drink had gone bitter, but both these drinks were flawless and set us up for a good evening, despite the muggy heat.
While I sipped my drink, I really enjoyed the ambience. The decor is difficult to describe, the design choices and colours are well-thought-out without coming across as corporate and “try hard”.
(Image: Hull Live)
First to arrive were fish cakes. These were flavourful and very creamy in texture, with a lovely breadcrumb coating.
The veg roti I ordered was a bit of a surprise; I had imagined it would be a spicy curry, but instead I found myself eating an (admittedly high quality) sweet and sour sauce, like in a Chinese restaurant.
As a sweet and sour, it had a syrupy texture and came with vegetables packed with flavour and cooked perfectly, not underdone or mushy. The portion was generous, but I felt there could have been less curry and more rice.
(Image: Hull Live)
The burger we ordered was faultless, from the rich filling to the coleslaw on the side and every heavenly bite of fries. Needless to say, we somehow left clean plates despite the hot weather.
I would happily return for the perfect mojitos.