This is a place that adds a new dimension to the Caribbean spirit of “liming” (or hanging out with friends). Bago (an abbreviation of “Tobago”, and home country of owner and founder Chris Morris) is above Lime House – the island’s first authentic Caribbean restaurant – and it exudes the old, rustic, colonial ambiance of a bygone era; the vibrant sounds of Caribbean lounge music wafts through all day and night.

“Bago at Lime House was conceptualised in collaboration with the illustrious Global Rum Ambassador, Ian Burrell. Rum was first produced in the Caribbean in the early 17th century, and has remained an integral part of our history since. So drinking Caribbean rum is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in our culture,” says Morris.

Settle in the living room and order some unique rum cocktails, they have an extensive list of over 150 rums from around the world (it’s customary that if you’re offered a shot you must finish it), or learn to make your own infusions – your concoctions will be stored, displayed and available to sample on return trips. [The ones we tried: Rhum Clement Blanc Agricole, Havana Club 3 Year, Abuelo 12 Year, appleton Extra Old 12 Year].

This menu is categorised and named according to the Caribbean’s three major types of rums: Rum, Ron and Rhum, each influenced by the European countries that colonised the region.

Rum is British-style and a heavier and more characteristic drink, mostly made with molasses. Some of the most famous brands of rum are Caroni, Mount Gay and Appleton. Ron, on the other hand, is a Spanish-style rum produced in countries such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, each delivering a velvety smooth and sweet finish – the Diplomatico, Havana Club and Abuelo are a few of the most popular brands available at Bago.

Then there is Rhum, a French style rum made by fermentation and distillation of fresh, pure sugar cane juice from the French Indies and Martinique, among other regions, and three of the top labels offered at Bago are Clément, Rhum Bielle and Neisson. As Pokemon would say, “gotta catch ’em all!”

Lime House does a killer brunch every Saturday as well, featuring Caribbean cocktails (above) and classics like Saheenas, Jerk Chicken Bites, Wedges and Fish Goujans.

Head to the rooftop of this heritage shophouse for a panaromic view of Chinatown, but look downwards and you’ll notice the original tiles from the 60s. It’s definitely a liming spot.

Bago, 2 Jiak Chuan Road, Chinatown, Tel: 6222 3130 (Closed Sunday/Monday)

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