Sugar and Spice at Red Drum

An artistic collaboration of musicians and designers, Red Drum brings African flair and a touch of Caribbean spice to Bali. From casual lunches to zesty high tea, to rhythmic nights charged with live music, this atmospheric venue adds a vibrant edge to Bali’s restaurant/bar scene.

It all starts innocently enough, on a sofa in the middle of the afternoon, sipping tea, and nibbling at dainty sandwiches and sweets. Then suddenly, it’s the early hours of the following morning and I am perched at the bar, nursing a smooth Lychee Star Martini and swaying to the legendary band, Saharadja. Such is the flow – or should I say the beat – of Red Drum, where a colourful fusion of African/Caribbean flavours and design creates a unique and funky space. Arriving in the peaceful lull of mid-afternoon gives me a chance to really appreciate the eclectic décor, starting with the porch, adorned with evocative African portraits and a small boutique area with vibrant jewellery, clothing and trinkets. The sumptuous lounge reveals a collection of West African tribal masks and djembes, a sexy bar area with zebra hide-covered stools, and tables adorned in brightly coloured glasses and African print napkins.

Keturah is our vivacious hostess and confides she has been experimenting with various flavours to create signature cocktails, but it’s a still a little early in the day for me, so we sit down for Red Drum High Tea, which adds sparkle and spice to this ancient ritual. A choice of fragrant hand-blended brews nclude Jasmine and Muddled Lemongrass, and Sorrel, a popular Caribbeanstyle drink made with dried hibiscus boiled with orange, lemon, cinnamon, clove, fresh ginger and honey. A tiered-stand is decked out in finger sandwiches of soft sourdough layered with crispy fried spicy eggplant, feta and rocket, slivers of apple tart, almond biscuits, and divine sugar cinnamon balls with raw cocoa sauce. As day turns to night we head into Happy Hour(6-8pm) and the more potent realm of cocktails, starting with vodka martinis blended with exotic dragon fruit – including a crisp and dry DragonBlanc, and a deep crimson-hued DragonRouge. My favourite is the Red Drum Martini, an intoxicating blend of hibiscus and Jamaican rum, infused with luscious hints of ginger, lemon, cinnamon, honey and a dash of Creole bitters. Platters of Malawi Mbatata Cheese and Sim Sim, fried cheese and cassava balls coated in sesame seeds, fiery
Mozambican Chilli Chicken Wings, and tasty Senegali Spicy Crispy Eggplant fuel me for the next round. Which is just as well, as it’s a Paradise Island Ice T which follows the basic Long Island rules ie. loads of alcohol, but has been tropicalised to wonderful effect, with a dash of rosella and a splash of ginger ale.

Saharadja take to the stage, an eight-piece ensemble who never fail to amaze me, with their diverse range of instruments including trumpet, electric violin, sitar, bass, tabla, djembe and congas, combining to create a true world fusion incorporating rhythms of India, the Middle east, Africa and Europe. As usual it turns into a great big jam session, with guests including the incredible Colombian djembe player from Afro Spirit, who belts out a mesmerising beat. Saharadja plays every Saturday, while you can catch sultry blues singer Jim Larkin on Wednesdays, and Afronesia on Fridays. Those in the mood for a little Latino vibe spirit can head down to TropiKana nights on Tuesday with free salsa lessons. Check ‘Red Drum’ on facebook for latest listings. Alison

Red Drum | Jl. Mertanadi 80 | P +62 361 735 219 | Open 11am - 12pm (closed Monday)