Food Review: Rudie's

The cocktails at Rudie's are as summery and potent as you'd expect from a jerk joint with one of London's biggest collections of Jamaican sipping rums. The Governor General – Blackwell rum, curacao, dry vermouth and sorrel - looks delicate but hits like a punchier, rough-edged El Presidente. And the Jamaica Nice, with Appleton rum, nectarine and pineapple might be the platonic ideal of a beach cocktail: sweet, refreshing, fruit-garnished — thoroughly alcoholic and dangerously drinkable.

We'd get it if people came to Rudie's just for the half price chicken on Jerk Mondays, a beachy cocktail and some 80s reggae. But there's good eating beyond the chicken. The peppered shrimps starter's a showstopper, and not just for its jolting heat — the sweetness and creaminess of roasted cherry tomatoes and avocado salsa round out the Boston pepper sauce till it's just about on the enjoyable side of brutal. Rice and peas are a bit dry, and we'd probably explore the patties or plantain as sides instead next time but for a taste of island living and some great rum cocktails, this has to be one of the most irie bets in London.  

Rudie's, 50 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB.