Entertainment in Antigua

Cinemas

One cinema in Bridgetown (Globe); Vista cinema on south coast, US$4-5, plus a drive-in not far from the south coast.

Dances

For something less glossy and more Bajan, it might be worth trying one of the dances which are advertised in the Nation newspaper on Friday. People hire a dance hall, charge admission (usually US$2.50), provide a disco, and keep the profits. There are very few foreigners, but the atmosphere is friendly, and the drinks a lot cheaper than in the smarter nightclubs. Unfortunately, there have been a few fights at ‘Dub’ fêtes and they are no longer as relaxed as they were.

Rumshops

Baxters Rd in Bridgetown used to be the place to try but fewer people go there now. The one roomed, ramshackle, rumshops are open all night (literally), and there’s a lot of street life after midnight, although you might get pestered by cocaine addicts. Some of the rumshops sell fried chicken (the Pink Star is recommended, it has a large indoor area where you can eat in peace and the place also has clean lavatories) and there are women in the street selling fish, seasoned and fried in coconut oil over an open fire. Especially recommended if you are hungry after midnight. The Government plans to upgrade Baxters Rd as a tourist attraction. Nelson St rumshops are really houses of ill repute but have amazing larger-than-life naif paintings on the outside. Interior upstairs bar décor is a curious mix of girlie pix, flourescent pontilliste and lifesize portraits of politicians. Oistins also has rumshops, better than Baxters Rd on Friday and Saturday, fish and a small club, US$2.50 entry, where they play oldies. Also recommended is Fisherman’s Pub in Speightstown, lots of music on Friday (no entry charge) otherwise fairly good all week. They also serve good cheap meals, lunchtime and evenings.

If you drink in a rumshop, rum and other drinks are bought by the bottle. The smallest size is a mini, then a flask, then a full bottle. The shop will supply ice and glasses, you buy a mixer, and serve yourself. The same system operates in dances, though prices are higher; night clubs, of course, serve drinks by the glass like anywhere else. Wine, in a rumshop, usually means sweet British sherry. If you are not careful, it is drunk with ice and beer.

Nightclubs

There are quite a selection. Most charge US$12.50 for entry on ‘free drinks’ night. It’s worth phoning in advance to find out what is on offer. There are live bands on certain nights in some clubs. Most do not get lively until almost midnight, and close around 0400. Some have a complicated set of dress codes or admission rules, which is another reason for phoning ahead.

After Dark, St Lawrence Gap, recently redecorated, huge selection at the bar, very lively. Others are Harbour Lights, T4367225, lots of tourists and expats, open-air on the beach, local and disco music, crowded on Wednesday, US$12,50 entry covers drinks Wednesday, Friday, no cover charge Sunday or Thursday, beach party on Monday. The Boatyard, T4362622, is the sailor’s pub in front of the anchorage at Carlisle Bay, Bay St, free drinks on Tuesday, very lively, popular with landlubbers too. The Ship Inn in St Lawrence has a big outdoor area and is often packed, especially at weekends and when there is a live band. Also Reggae Lounge in St Lawrence Gap. The Waterfront Café has jazz and steel pan most nights. The beach bars can be lively, but pick your night. Bubba’s Bar in Rockley has 10-ft video screen plus 10 other TVs for watching sports while you drink. Coach House, Paynes Bay, St James, T4321163. Adriana’s Entertainment Centre, Queen St, Speightstown, T4190126. Casbah, in Holetown, same building as La Terra and Baku restaurants, is billed as ‘European style’ and ‘Moroccan themed’, free drinks Thursday, Latin beat Wednesday.

Party Cruises

The Jolly Roger run 4-hr daytime and evening cruises along the west coast to Holetown, near the Folkestone Underwater Park (where the fun and games take place) from the deepwater harbour. The drinks are unlimited (very). There is also a meal, music, dancing, etc, US$55 for the dinner cruise. On daytime cruises, there is swimming and snorkelling. The Harbour Master, which unlike the other cruises pulls up on the beach, 100 ft long, 40 ft wide with four decks, see Beaches & Watersports.

Shows

The Visitor has a fairly full listing. Some of the better ones are: Tropical Spectacular Dinner Show at the Plantation Restaurant US$75 with dinner, Wednesday and Friday, starts 1830, show and drinks US$37.50, T4285048. 1627 And All That, Tyroll Cot, Thursday, 1830, US$57.50, colourful show, bar, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, tour of 17th century market place and cultural village, steel band, complimentary transport, T4281627, 4296016 to book.

Theatres

There are several good semi-professional theatre companies. Performances are advertized in the press. It is usually wise to buy tickets in advance. Most people dress quite formally for these performances.

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Entertainment in Antigua

Cinemas

Dances

Rumshops

Nightclubs

Party Cruises

Shows

Theatres

More . . .

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