Delayed due to Covid and a linked location switch, Rhum Tavern will be modelled on the keel of a ship circa 1600s and will offer one of the largest selections of rums in the UK alongside food overseen by Hovarda chef Hus Vedat.
The menu is still in development but will be tight, affordable and focused on grilled dishes with Vedat taking influences from what would have been eaten on the sailing ships of the era.
"That's been a big challenge as sailor's diets were quite limited and involved things that aren't very nice to eat, not least hardtack (a very dense biscuit)," says de-Vere, whose CV includes senior and consultancy roles at brands including Inception Group and Notting Hill's The Little Yellow Door.
"We're still working it out but we probably have two fish, two meat and two vegetable dishes. A small menu will allow us to execute well."
On 48 Margaret Street, the 1,750 sq ft site will have 130 covers and an intricate wood-panelled design with curved walls and lots of barrels.
The venue will initially be evening-focused, trading from 4pm to 12pm Monday to Wednesday and from 4pm to 1am Thursday to Saturday.
A retail element will launch a few months after the bar offering some 400 rums.
"It's a long thin site so very conducive to our design concept. The drinks, uniforms and design of the site are all aligned with the early days of the rum trade. While it is a themed concept it will be high-end and ambitious, we have some extremely experienced people onboard."