Barbados food and drink
Food
At the St James we encourage our visitors to try the local traditional foods. This might be roasted breadfruit, sugar cakes, tamarind balls or guava cheese. Water and jelly straight from the coconut, chopped open for you at the roadside. The scent of limes making lemonade. Dense coconut bread and denser lead pipes. Golden apples and avocados still warm from the sun. Bunches of ackees sold by the roadside. Hot fried flying fish, served straight from the pan. An all chicken roti on the run.
The St James offers the perfect accommodation to try something new, as you can eat at a different restaurant every night; or shop in the local supermarket to create your own delicious meals, or buy ready prepared meals and snacks from the local fish and food stalls and vans, or hire a cook for some or all of your stay – the choice is endless!
Rum
The history of rum in Barbados and Barbados itself are forever intertwined. So what could be better than enjoying a tipple on your first night at The St James as you gaze at the ocean view and let your cares drift away on the sea breeze? All apartments will be supplied with a complimentary bottle of rum and mixer.
When you are ready to leave the luxury of the St James, you could further indulge your new-found love of rum punch with a visit to a rum shop. The social hub of Barbados, rum shops are the place to go to share a laugh, a story and a drink. Moreover it’s an integral part of Bajan culture that dates back some 300 years.
There is a really popular rum shop close to the St James called ‘Vicks’ – it’s only 200 yards away. Step up to the counter and order a rum punch, some cou-cou and flying fish. The local people will be pleased to see you and will embrace the opportunity to tell you about their island – your first visit to Vicks is unlikely to be your last!
Barbados restaurants
There is a huge selection of excellent restaurants within easy reach of The St James; indeed there are several world-renowned ones within walking distance. There is a wide choice to suit every taste and pocket. Some of our personal favourites include…
LUXURY
The Cliff. For food that is a true work of art, go to The Cliff. This restaurant totally delivers the ultimate in cuisine with hints of the Caribbean along with a few other cultures as well. The Cliff is literally set on a cliff top in a stunning setting. Every table has a magnificent sea view perfect for romance. The restaurant is very popular, you may have to book well in advance, and among the priciest on the island.
Daphne’s. Sister restaurant to the eponymous Daphne's in Chelsea, Daphne's Barbados combines modern Italian dishes with a relaxed beachside setting. Since opening in December 2001, Daphne's Barbados has gathered a celebrity following which includes Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Mariah Carey and Kevin Bacon.
Tides. Less than one mile from the St James, and nothing can prepare you for its beauty, situated on the beach with the sounds of waves crashing against the shore; it really is a truly romantic and luxurious setting. The variety and quality of food is sensational, while the waiter service is perfect.
VALUE
Scarlet. Very different. It has proven that it is possible to be really hot and totally cool at the same time and has established itself as one of leading places in Barbados to see and be seen, without a price tag that will break the bank.
Scarlet is painted entirely in bright red, which is good because you wouldn’t want to miss it! The mood is fun, the decor is stylish, the service is great and the delicious and affordable food will make you go back for more.
Cariba. Located in St James and is extremely popular. It is set in a former chattel house and offers fabulous modern Caribbean fare blended with Asian flavours, and is excellent value for money. It has a beautiful verandah and the chef makes a point of coming out to chat to his guests as much as possible – a real find.
Groots. A visit to Groots is frequently rated as one of the top 10 things to do in Barbados, and it’s just up the road from the St James, so you could become ‘a regular’ during your stay! It is fun, casual and friendly, serving appetising food at reasonable prices. It’s set in a corrugated iron chattel house, but don’t let that put you off!
Michael Winner said: “If you go to Barbados, never mind all the restaurants trying to be clever, visit Groots” and Prince Harry has recently been spotted there.
Don't miss... an excellent roadside takeaway just 50 yards from the St James every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. It’s been set up by the ex head chef from Sandy Lane, and he sells barbecued fish and meat – absolutely not to be missed! You can eat it on your balcony or on the beach in front of the St James whilst watching the sun set – a perfectly sublime experience.
