Every October Foodies come out in numbers to enjoy the “Barbados Food and Rum Festival” – a star-studded, taste-budded event showcasing Barbados’ most renowned rum producers, chefs and culinary personalities. 2022 marks the tenth year of this absolute must experience event. 

Visitors can look forward to:

1. The Food Truck Mashup
2. Oistins Under the Stars
3. Rum Route Street Party 
4. Rise and Rum Beach Party
5. Restaurant Night 
6. The Story of Rum – A tasting event
7. Liquid Gold Fest – The red-carpet finale. 

No matter what time of year you visit the island, Barbados - the birthplace of rum, has a range of rum experiences that you simply cannot miss! The island is also known as the “Culinary Capital of The Caribbean” with everything from street food to fine dining. Here are five foodie must visits and five rum experiences to enjoy while on island.

5 Foodie Experiences

(1) Oistins Fish Fry 

Most popular on a Friday night, but open 7 nights a week. Visit Oistins for the most fresh, local fish served with a range of local sides like macaroni pie, rice and pies, plantain, breadfruit chips, salads and more. Plates are around $15-25 USD and the atmosphere is very casual and relaxed. A truly local experience, not to be missed. 

(2) Lickrish Food Tours

The most delicious walking food tour in Bridgetown.  Enjoy more than 8 tastings, bites & sips. Sample Bajan favorites such as fish cakes, pig tails, fresh local fruit, homemade ice cream and so much more! Visit various monuments, public squares and churches and learn about their captivating history from your knowledgeable guide. The 3 hour tour is $80 USD / person 

(3) The Tides Barbados

Set against the magical backdrop of the Caribbean sea, The Tides is one of the leading fine dining restaurants and art gallery in Holetown Barbados. Recognised for their freshly prepared food, impeccable service and lively, friendly atmosphere, The Tides aim to exceed your expectations through electric fusion of flavours and culinary creations. Their cocktails are incredible as well! 

(4) Worthing Square Food Garden

Worthing Square Food Garden on the south coast is an outdoor food hall filled with unique and local street food canteens and with live music. Try doubles, fresh local tuna bowls, rotis, vegan ital food, traditional Bajan food and international classics like pizza, pasta, kebabs and more. You can’t miss the large Mount Gay pop up where you can enjoy rum mixes, cocktails and other drinks. End the night with a sweet treat from the dessert or ice-cream stop. There is something for everyone at the Food Garden. 

(5) Local & Co

Housed in an old rum warehouse on the water’s edge in the historic Speightstown, The Local & Co is one of the newer restaurants on the island. The menu showcases ingredients sourced exclusively from local and regional farms, producers and wild foragers, for a true farm to table experience. Head chef Sophie Michell is a well-known Chef and Author from the UK. Sophie has published eight bestselling & award winning cookbooks, whilst simultaneously also carving out a successful TV career in the UK & Internationally. A trip to Local & Co is not complete without trying one of their house crafted infused rums – “the love potion” is our favourite!

5 Rum Experiences 

(1) The Rum Vault

The Rum Vault is the first of its kind on the island of Barbados, featuring a collection of 150 rums from all over the world (and Barbados too of course). It offers unique experiences with a dedicated Rum Ambassador such as rum flights and tastings multi-course dining options and chocolate and rum pairing events in its intimate (8 person maximum) setting. The Rum Vault is outfitted in dark woods and rich leathers all lending the exclusive club feel to Colony Club's own colonial history. They have many dining and rum tasting options available. We enjoyed the 6-course vault tapas and pairing menu for $100 USD.

(2) St. Nicholas Abbey Tour

St Nicholas Abbey is a historic plantation house, museum and rum distillery. See what Barbados was like back in the 17th century as you explore the Great House and Gardens on a self-guided tour. You will see several artifacts from the Amerindian settlement through colonial times and watch a movie of actual footage of life on the plantation. Then, visit the artisan distillery where you can see how rum is made from cane to bottle. Enjoy a rum tasting and complimentary drink. The one-hour Great House and Rum Tour starts at $30 USD/ person.

(3) Mount Gay Rum Tour

Mount Gay is the world’s oldest rum brand dating back over 300 years, and it originated right here in Barbados! Check out their website for a wide range of tours from their signature tasting tour for $25 USD / person to cocktail workshops and dining experiences too. An absolute must visit for guests over 18 years.

(4) Foursquare Rum Tour

The distillery is open to the public for free or you can have a guided tour for $23 USD inclusive of tasting, or enjoy a FREE self-guided tour (without the tasting). This family-owned distillery has won many international awards and was featured in Forbes magazine for having won 5 of the 7 awards for Gold Outstanding rums in the world at the 2021 International Wines & Spirits Competition 

(5) Local Rum Shop Stop 

It is estimated that there are over 1500 Barbados rum shops on the island, and the history of these shops dates back almost 300 years. These quaint, causal watering holes are a locals favourite hangout spot. Visit John Moore’s Rum Shop (pictured here) for a charming beachfront experience. Be warned, when you order a “rum and coke” at a rum shop, you will get a flask of rum, a bottle of coke and a bucket of ice with a couple of cups so you can mix your own drinks. You can also visit rum shops in Oistins or scattered around the island.