A Barbados Rum Shop or Two

Visit a Barbados rum shop or two, for an exciting taste of Bajan culture. Stopping by any local rum shop in Barbados, you can observe the colourful use of Bajan dialect, traditional games and try local food.

Discuss Hot Topics

Friends and strangers from all social and ethnic backgrounds gather at rums shops across the island.

Barbados rum shops form a forum for interesting conversation on “hot topics”. Passionate points of views on social and political affairs, in Barbados and other parts of the world, to the more personal situations of the people present, their love life, work etc. come alive in rum shops.

A stop at John Moore’s bar in St. James was a pleasurable experience, Kris and I met jovial Barbadians, who worked and lived in Canada and England before moving back to Barbados, and who are now retired.

On our visit, they talked about local entertainment, the world wars of their time and the wars of our time.

Everyone speaks freely and very passionately in most rum shops. Faint of hearing? Sometimes the language used is rated 'R'.

While at John Moore's Bar we mentioned that we were on an island tour around Barbados to capture experiences for this website, and a few people wanted to say hello.

Click this image if wish to have this greeting from John Moore's Bar in Barbados. Gordan says welcome.

In the background of this clip, you can hear Bajan dialect and people playing dominoes.

We hope you enjoyed your visit to John Moore's just now.

This rum shop lime continued late in to the evening with fine rums and tasty food.

Rum and Food

John Moore’s bar serves up delicious Bajan food (including pudding and souse). Most rum shops sell local snacks and or Bajan delicacies, along with the drinks shown in the photo above.

Visiting a Barbados rum shop may be a good time for you to try some local Banks beer, ESA Fields, or Mount Gay Extra Old rum. Mount Gay is a popular favourite. The liquor in rum shops is cheaper than most places.

Barbados rum is purchased by the bottle, with ice and chasers of choice, usually coke, soda water, coconut water or plain water.

At John Moore’s bar, Kris ordered a rum and Coke, while I opted for rum with coconut water. We had a really good time.

In the photo on this page you may notice: A half empty bottle of coconut water, soda water, a near empty bottle of Mount Gay rum, and an empty bottle of Johnnie Walker Black.

How to Find a Barbados Rum Shop

There is a common saying, “there are as many rum shops as there are churches in Barbados”. Trust me, when I tell you that, there are endless rum shops you can choose to visit.

You can find a rum shop any part of the island, in any village. These shops are small bars, often wooden structures, attached to people’s houses, though more wall structures of rum shops are becoming present.

I chose to visit John Moore’s Bar partially on a whim but Kris had been there before, commenting that it is a really good bar and popular hang out spot.

When to Visit a Barbados Rum Shop

Anytime Really-- Rum shops in Barbados open during the day and night, but for a truly lively cultural experience, visit in the evenings after work hours or on weekends.

When you have time -- There is nothing called a fifteen minute visit to a rum shop, unless you visit at a quiet time. In the mist of its lively culture, even if you intended to keep your visit short, the vibe is known to draw you in and most likely you will want to stay much longer.

A quick stop on our road trip at John Moore’s Bar turned in to a welcoming two hour visit. Everyone was warm and embracing, urging us to return again. And so we did…

…To Celebrate-- the owner’s Birthday, there were lots of people to mingle with and lots of heated discussions. Some were even playing traditional games of dominoes, hearts, draught and warri.

You can also meet some interesting people and make lasting connections of your own to staying in touch with Barbados.

Visit these Barbados Rum Shops

After a really charming time at this Barbados rum shop, I sat down with my Uncle Henderson, to come up with some more rum shops where you are likely to have a fantastic time drinking fine Barbados rums and consuming Bajan cuisine.

Our humble recommendations:

Alexine Bar- Oistins, Christ Church (just behind the fish vendor stalls)

John Moore’s Bar– Reids Bay, St. James (next to the Western Fish Facility)

Saw Bar- Westbury road, St. Michael (connecting road from Baxter’s road)

Mustard Bar- Bridgetown, St.Michael

Pink Star– Baxter’s Road, St. Michael

• Rum and other types of alcohol can be found at bars, restaurants, nightclubs,supermarkets, convenient stores and gas stations,in addition to all rum shops.

• The legal drinking age in Barbados is 18 years and over

• It is illegal to drink alcohol while driving

• Drinking alcohol on the beach and on the street is allowed

• Don't forget to obey the "Do not litter signs"

More about Barbados Rum


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