A weathered street sign on a brick wall reads 'Rum Close' with an illegible map or graphic underneath.

Rum

Rum Close in Wapping is the only instance of this spirit on London’s street signs. Given the proximity to the site of the old London Dock which held a monopoly on the import of wine and brandy into London from 1800 for 21 years, it’s likely named after warehouses that stored rum.

A glass of whiskey with a small amount of amber liquid inside

Rum

Rum is a liquor made by fermenting and then distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice. Rum originated in the Caribbean in the 17th century, but today it is produced in nearly every major sugar-producing region of the world. Rum can be drink neat but is more commonly combined with mixers or in cocktails. It is also used in cooking and in baking.

Various bottles of wine, some with corks, placed on a wooden surface.

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Street sign for Saffron Hill on brick wall, with small flags below.

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