Rumahs are true – Bali finds a home in village
ANEW and unique bar and kitchen has opened, bringing a taste of South East Asia to Birkdale Village.
Rumah Bar & Kitchen is the brainchild of owners Ian Smith and Ian Lawless.
They have worked with interior, food and drink experts to bring the chic designs, adventurous tastes and stunning aromas from Bali to the venture.
Head chef Troy Amador grew up on the Indonesian border and has worked extensively in the country.
He developed the lunch and dinner menus during a two-month research trip.
He said: “As I grew up in a developing country my diet was amazing – flavoursome and varied with spices and zesty flavours put together with a lot of rice.
“But it was the care and attention to preparing those ingredients that stands out most and it is what has been instilled in me as a chef.
“I am preparing the food that I’ve always eaten and prepared in Bali – the small plates, spicy salads and traditional dishes – with a modern twist.
“Plus there is obviously a bit of rice!”
Rumah has an extensive drinks menu with wines from Europe, America and New Zealand.
While the cocktails are inspired by flavours discovered centuries ago during the first spice trades between Asia, Africa and Europe.
With aromas of tea, grain, rice, spice and sugar cane, the owners say there is something for everyone.
Rumah in Indonesian translates as “home”, and designer Chris Naughton from Sheila Bird has created a space intended to be welcoming and homely together with the vibrant colours and textures of Indonesia.
It features a contemporary interior, spacious dining terrace and courtyard.
Rumah offers different zones and spaces for adults, families, children – and dogs.
Ian Smith said: “Rumah has taken us years to develop. I fell in love with the beautiful island of Bali years ago.
“It’s so enchanting, with restaurants full of fresh and tasty food served with warmth and unsurpassed hospitality.
“We knew we wanted to try and recreate a little bit of Bali here.
“We can’t wait to welcome people from Birkdale and afar to have a quiet daytime coffee, a lunch with friends or an evening cocktail.”