This Caribbean humdinger has been around for a good 30 years, adding a much-needed shot of island colour to the streets of the capital. Step into any of its branches, and you’ll be instantly cheered by its tropical murals, gaudily striped bars, brightly hued vintage holiday ads and, of course, its outsized boom boxes and decorative barrels of rum. The menu of familiar Caribbean food will give you a lift too: saltfish fritters come with a mouth-wateringly fruity tamarind and guava sauce, jerk chicken is beautifully blackened, and the rich, tender Guyanese pepperpot stew benefits from 48 hours simmering on the stove. To drink, it has to be rum – the 372-strong list is a record-breaking A to Z of the world’s brands and blends, organised by country. Friendly service, a lively vibe, good-value set menus, and free rum masterclasses all cement Cottons’ deserved popularity.