Careenage Rum Stop!: An Ode to Bajan Specialities
Every afternoon at historic Needham's Point, the Careenage Rum Stop! opens its doors at the Hilton Barbados Resort to offer a rum shop-inspired ambience dedicated to telling the island’s story through a selection of local rums and delicacies.
Past the door’s threshold awaits a bar that transports you back to the Careenage (the harbour that spans from the Caribbean Sea to the centre of Bridgetown), where hundreds of years ago ships were careened (tipped on their side to be repaired, painted or scrubbed). Inside, you’ll recognise the characteristics of rum shops around the island: a counter, bar stools, a variety of local rums and plenty of seating for gathering. You can spot old fishing nets, lobster traps, mooring lines, rum barrels and antique ship machinery tucked away in the crevices of the ceiling and along the windowsills. When you gaze out the window, you may catch a glimpse of the ruins of Charles Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “In a nutshell, [Careenage Rum Stop!] is a tribute to Barbados, Bridgetown and the heritage,” says Tracy Jones, sales and marketing director at the Hilton Barbados Resort.
The solid wood bar at the Careenage Rum Stop! is stocked with bottles of gold and caramel-coloured spirits that hail from the island. “I would say 95% of the rum we have here is from the island,” says Daniel Echasseriau, food and beverage director at the Hilton Barbados Resort. “The rest are from the Caribbean.” Among the collection, Doorly’s rum is a molasses-based rum highlighted by Echasseriau as one of the best on the island. Mount Gay rum boasts a rich history spanning three centuries on Barbados. The oldest deed for the distillery dates back to 1703, making Mount Gay one of the oldest commercial rum distilleries in the world. St. Nicholas Abbey rum is prized for its unique quality of being produced exclusively with sugar cane, says Echasseriau.
The same commitment to showcasing locally-crafted spirits applies to the ingredients on the menu. “We try to do simple things with products from the island,” adds Echasseriau. “We wanted something authentic and that's why everything is Bajan-inspired.” The selection of bar bites, shareables or small plates at the Careenage Rum Stop! is influenced by Bajan street food—with a twist. You’ll find shrimp souse (traditionally pickled pork), sizzled macaroni pie, baby back ribs, grilled herb dolphin (mahi-mahi), and beer-battered chicken gizzards, liver and necks served with rum sauce.
Celebrating local products and recipes is a philosophy that translates to other restaurants and bars at the resort, most notably The Grille Bajan Inspired located next door, which serves gourmet Bajan cuisine. “It’s about the island. It's about the people,” says Echasseriau when mentioning the initiative to promote Bajan culture and history at the Hilton Barbados Resort. Earlier this year, representatives for the resort also announced the commissioning of art from local artists. The initiative underscores a commitment to promoting local talent and enriching the immersive experience for visitors.
“People see the Hilton as the hotel of people,” says Jones. The Hilton was first built in 1966, coinciding with Barbados Independence Day and has long been established as the Barbadian people’s hotel. “Where rum is concerned, Barbados is the birthplace of rum. So if we're telling the Barbados story [at the Hilton] and living that story, then developing the rum collection at the Careenage Rum Stop! is a great showcase,” says Jones. “You also get to experience the culinary talents of the locals through the food when you come here.”
The Careenage Rum Stop! offers rum tastings upon request and serves an extensive happy-hour cocktail list that stars local rum. As you sip on a Planters Punch (rum, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine syrup and bitters) or a Rum Cooler (rum, falernum, orange juice and pineapple juice), expect a lively atmosphere punctuated by live entertainment. Similar to how local rum shops are often known for a particular feature like karaoke, food or the proprietor, the Careenage Rum Stop! features live music, trivia nights and weekly magic shows to set itself apart. A visit to the Careenage Rum Stop! invites you to partake in the legacy of rum, savour local flavours, and begin to embody the spirit of the island—as an homage to Barbadian heritage.
