The best beach bars and nightlife in Antigua, from rum punch to karaoke
As tempting as it might be to stay by your poolside with a cocktail in your hand, you will only really get a feel for the diverse crowd who live and holiday on this West Indian island by venturing out to explore the nightlife. Most locals agree that the place to be is English Harbour. This is where colourful bars jostle for space down narrow historic streets and tourists, islanders and yachties spill out with glasses of rum punch or bottles of Wadadli beer in their hands. It’s also home to Abracadabra, the main nightclub which attracts world famous DJs to their Ministry of Sound parties. Elsewhere, the capital St John’s is where you’ll find most of the live music and there is a good selection of vibrant bars along the West Coast.
English Harbour
Shirley Heights Lookout
This is one of Antigua’s must-do events. Every Sunday from 4pm (and Thursdays) locals and tourists gather at this elevated bar on the fortifications high above English Harbour to enjoy the view, the sunset and – once darkness has descended – live music and dancing. With a US $10 (￡7.70) entrance fee, it attracts fewer locals than it used to, and you will be jostling for space on the rocks for that Instagrammable sunset selfie, but it is still worth a visit to enjoy the rum punch, the barbecued chicken, the steel band and party atmosphere. For fewer crowds go on a Thursday.
Contact: 00 1 268 728 0636; shirleyheightslookout.com
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: Most hotels will provide a weekly excursion on a Sunday or Thursday (or both)
? The best restaurants in Antigua
Abracadabra
This is the place to party in season when the yachts are in dock (December to beginning of May). It is legendary with locals, being a stalwart of the island’s nightlife for more than 30 years. Early in the evening it is a popular Italian restaurant, transforming into a nightclub on selected weekends. Expect anything from Trance, 1980s and 1990s pop, to Ministry of Sound parties featuring international DJs. The fun might also include rodeo, fire eaters or album launches of local artists. When you tire of the pulsating dance floors, head to the chill-out garden for a breather.
Contact: 00 1 268 460 2701; abracadabra-antigua.com
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: The website is not often updated so check the Facebook page for dates of events and when the season starts and ends
Life on the Corner
On the corner where Dockyard drive meets Falmouth Harbour, this colourful wooden bar with corrugated tin roof is a popular place to hang out during the season. Some nights you might find yourself swept onto your feet by the rhythms of DJs or live bands, others you might just kick back and tuck into some grilled prawns or and an old-fashioned rum punch. The rustic charm of the place is complemented by the cheery smiles from the locals at the bar who make you want to linger for just one more drink. Happy hour from 4pm to 6pm.
Contact: 001 268 722 0020; Facebook page
Prices: ￡
Getting in: If you are travelling outside of peak season (December to May) the bar may not be open daily. Check the Facebook page before you go
? The best attractions in Antigua
St John’s and around
Beach Limerz
A classic wooden beach bar with tables and chairs spilling onto the sand of west-facing Fort James beach. Stretches of cheerful candy-coloured canvas provide welcome shade by day, while at night the bar is lit by bulbs strung on ropes hanging from the airy vaulted ceiling. The name comes from the West Indian term “to lime”, meaning “to chill out” and this is certainly the place to do it. You’d never guess the city of St John’s was just a few minutes’ drive away. If you are lucky you’ll catch some impromptu live music, perhaps a steel band or reggae and you’ll certainly sink a rum punch or two.
Contact: 00 1 268 723 9534; beachlimerz.com
Opening times: Tues-Sun, 9.30am-11pm; closed Monday
Prices: ￡
Getting in: Reservations are not necessary
C&C Wine House
If you have exhausted your palate for rum, then you’ll find C&C Wine Housea welcome respite. Situated in a pretty courtyard of historic Redcliffe Quay you can enjoy international wines al fresco, surrounded by the vivid colours of restored 18th-century buildings. Try one of their wines of the month or choose from a good range of brandies and fortified wines. To get at taste of the local scene go on one of their weekly event nights. Thursday is lasagna night, Fridays there’s a house DJ and an after-work crowd and Saturday is a popular karaoke night with a mature, fun-loving clientele.
Contact: 00 1 268 460 7025; ccwinehouse.com
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: Reservations necessary on event nights
Kon Tiki Bar and Grill
Not so much a beach bar as a sea bar; this new arrival to the Dickenson Bay scene is floating in the water several metres off shore. If you aren’t out and about in a kayak or paddle board and don’t fancy the swim, then you’ll have to get a lift in the little motor boat shuttle. Once on the floating wooden raft you can order a beer or rum punch from the little thatched (cash-only) bar and enjoy the gentle movement of the sea. Solar lighting keeps things going after dark.
Contact: 00 268 782-8530; kontikiantigua.com
Prices: ￡
Getting in: Flag the boat down from the beach – it is just a one minute ride away
Ana’s
If you are looking for chic lounging then head to Ana’s in Dickenson Bay. This elegant beachfront property provides pink-curtain draped cabanas in which to lie back with cocktail in hand and watch the sun setting over the island-dotted sea. If you feel more perky you can take a stool at the infinity bar and socialise with the arty crowd (inside, the pale pink walls are a gallery space for local artwork). Go on a Wednesday or Friday night to enjoy the live DJ sets. The wine list includes Bottega prosecco and Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc.
Contact: 00 1 268 562 8562; anas.ag
Prices: ￡￡￡
Getting in: Reservations not necessary
West Coast
Rum Bus Beach
The unique Rum Bus Beach is built around an imported London routemaster bus. Fronting onto a pristine white sand beach, the bus is the centrepiece of the bar and provides welcome shelter on its red seats when you get a spot of “liquid sunshine”. At other times you’ll probably prefer the comfortable cabanas, hammocks, loungers and beach huts that spread out into a large grassy area bordering the sand at Crabb Hill Beach. Enjoy the signature rum cocktails and the laid-back vibe.
Contact: 00 1 268-720-3649; Facebook page
Prices: ￡￡
Getting in: Reservations not necessary
Sugar Club
The sophisticated piano bar of upmarket Sugar Beach Hotel, just inland from Jolly Harbour, is a luxurious place for a quiet drink in stylish, contemporary surroundings (think vaulted ceilings, white leather sofas and colourful pendant lights). This is the place for premium spirits, international wines and relaxed chill-out tunes. The bar is rarely crowded with plenty of space for privacy. For more of a scene head up to the hilltop Carmichael’s restaurant on one of their DJ nights and try the Joy cocktail (rum, bitters and tropical fruits), or stargaze by the fire pit, where events are often held at full moon.
Contact: 00 1 268 562 7700; Facebook page
Prices: ￡￡￡
Getting in: Reservations not necessary
? The best nightlife in St Lucia
Castaways Beach Club
What’s not to love about a rustic, open-sided bar on the white sand of a west-facing Caribbean beach? Castaways, on the splendid curve of Jolly Bay, is a super-friendly place to kick back and relax with a Dark and Stormy rum cocktail and enjoy the striking sunsets. Food is traditional Caribbean or Indian and entertainment includes karaoke, live music and beach barbecues with a bonfire. You’ll be surrounded by plenty of tourists, joined by a smattering of locals. When the Soca beats blare, the dial on the holiday vibe is turned up to the max.
Contact: 001 268 562 4446; castawaysbeachclub.com
Prices: ￡
Getting in: Reservations not necessary
Solve the daily Crossword
