15 November 2024

Sugar And Spice And Everything Nice: The Barbados Food & Rum Festival

This year, the infamous Barbados Food & Rum Festival celebrated the theme 'Feed the Future' - with every event a testament to our island’s vibrant food culture. Dive in to discover what went down.

The Barbados Food & Rum Festival, or as it’s more affectionately known, the ‘ultimate foodie dream weekend’, was celebrated this year from October 24th to 27th. Established in 2010 and having been awarded the Caribbean’s Best Culinary Festival for 2023, each year, the festival transforms the island into a haven for food and drink lovers, welcoming them to a celebration of taste, talent, and tradition.

Under the theme of “Feed the Future,” this year’s festival brought together the finest local and international chefs and the island’s most revered rum producers, all while spotlighting emerging talent who represent the future of Bajan cuisine. From exquisite gourmet dinners to lively street food fairs and interactive cooking demonstrations, every event was a testament to our island’s vibrant food culture.

This year, Barbados welcomed an elite lineup, with local chefs and mixologists collaborating alongside celebrity chefs from around the globe to craft flavours that delighted and surprised. And as always, rum took centre stage, honouring Barbados’ 300-year legacy in rum production.
The festival's energy could be felt across the island, including at Apes Hill, where we celebrated alongside our executive chef, Javon Cummings, as he brought his unique culinary flair to the event. We also had the pleasure of hosting renowned South African chef Wanile Mabaso, whose innovative approach to food made his participation a true highlight.

Read on to discover everything that went on all across the island.

What Happens During the Barbados Food & Rum Festival?

The Barbados Food & Rum Festival is about so much more than just culinary delights; it’s a vibrant celebration of Bajan culture, history, and community that weaves together the traditions of Barbados with the energy of a modern, globally celebrated event. There are a number of different events that occur throughout the festival, but here are some of our favourites to note.

One of the most memorable evenings is Oistins Under the Stars, where guests gather at the iconic Oistins Fish Fry. This night of local seafood, lively music, and dance showcases the casual, authentic side of Barbados, inviting festival-goers to taste fresh-off-the-grill delights like mahi-mahi, flying fish, and lobster.

The Bajan Fair provides a family-friendly experience where locals and visitors alike can browse food stalls, admire handmade crafts, and enjoy live entertainment. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where the island’s culture and cuisine are accessible to all. Whether sampling sweet, syrupy conkies or browsing artisan stalls filled with handcrafted jewellery and décor, the fair invites guests to experience a slower-paced yet no less immersive celebration of Bajan life.

For those looking to delve deeper into the island’s rich culinary heritage, the Culture of Cuisine Talks offer a unique perspective. These sessions bring together culinary experts, local chefs, and historians to discuss the significance of Bajan food culture, the techniques passed down through generations, and the ingredients that define the island’s dishes. Attendees gain rare insights into Bajan cuisine, from the early influences of African, Indian, and British traditions to modern interpretations that still honour those roots.

Learn from the experts

Our Liquid Gold - Rum, Rum and More Rum!

As the birthplace of rum, Barbados holds a special place in the hearts of rum enthusiasts around the world. The Food & Rum Festival honours this legacy, giving guests a chance to dive into the island’s proud rum heritage. Throughout the festival, attendees are invited to savour rum tastings, embark on distillery tours, and sip expertly crafted cocktails. Many events celebrate Barbados’ love for rum with unique rum-infused dishes, signature cocktails, and experiences that pay tribute to our liquid gold.

Barbados is home to some of the world’s oldest rum distilleries and produces over 2.6 million litres of rum each year, upholding a tradition that stretches back over 300 years. The Bajan rum punch, a classic island cocktail, is particularly cherished here, crafted with a special blend of rum, lime juice, sugar, and bitters—an essential part of any celebration and a symbol of Bajan hospitality. Festival highlights include immersive experiences with Barbados’ most iconic rum brands:

Mount Gay Rum Experience

As the world’s oldest rum brand, Mount Gay Rum is a treasure trove of history and craft. During the festival, visitors can sample its renowned blends and tour the distillery to learn about the brand’s storied past and meticulous production process. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to taste a piece of rum history.

Foursquare Rum Distillery Tour

Known for its award-winning rums, Foursquare is one of Barbados’ most celebrated distilleries. This exclusive tour allows visitors behind the scenes to explore the art of rum making, from barrel aging to blending. Guests can enjoy tastings that reveal the rich, layered flavours of this celebrated brand.

Rum Route Event

Held on Friday, October 25th, the Rum Route Event is a spirited journey through Barbados’ best rum brands and distilleries. With stops for tastings, cocktail crafting, and pairing events, it’s an adventure for the senses, offering a true taste of Bajan craftsmanship and hospitality.

And for those simply looking to unwind with a cooling drink, Barbados is filled with remarkable spots to sip rum cocktails in style. From sophisticated lounges to laid-back beachside bars, there’s no shortage of places to relax with a glass of expertly crafted rum. Read our guide to our favourite bars in Barbados.

Chefs and Mixologists to Inspire and Delight

At the heart of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival lies an impressive showcase of culinary talent, where chefs and mixologists create unforgettable experiences through tastings, exclusive new menus, and innovative cocktails. Each event offers festival-goers a taste of Bajan culture, brought to life through dishes that honour traditional ingredients while pushing the boundaries of flavour. And beyond the flavours, the festival emphasises the importance of supporting local talent and fostering a thriving culinary community of the chefs of the future.

Feed the Future

This year’s festival embraced the theme "Feed the Future," shining a spotlight on the island’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent. With higher stakes and impressive prizes, the much-anticipated Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition showcased ten young contestants vying for the top honour. These aspiring chefs went head-to-head, presenting their skills and creativity with dishes often featuring local ingredients.

The winner received a prestigious scholarship for an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute, an internship at one of Barbados’ fine dining establishments, and a cash prize of BBD $3,000.

Supporting emerging talent, this event not only honours the island’s culinary roots but also invests in its vibrant future, ensuring Barbados continues to shine on the global culinary stage.

Liquid Gold Feast

As the grand finale to the Food & Rum Festival, the Liquid Gold Feast is an unforgettable evening of elegance and flavour. This black-tie affair brings together the island’s finest chefs and mixologists for a night of gourmet dining, premium cocktails, and enthralling entertainment. The Liquid Gold Feast truly lives up to its name, celebrating the richness of Barbados’ culinary and cultural heritage.

Our own executive chef, Javon Cummins, was part of the feast once again this year. Having participated in the event for eight years and promoted it worldwide, Chef Cummins is an ambassador for the incredible diversity of talent in Barbados’ culinary scene. He finds a special magic in the camaraderie among chefs, the spotlight on local ingredients, and the shared joy of crafting dishes that reflect the heart of Bajan cuisine. His pulled pork, a creation refined over four years, is a highly anticipated highlight of the evening, loved for its deep, flavourful connection to the island’s culinary soul.

Rise and Rum

For early risers, the Rise and Rum breakfast beach party is a must. This unique event combines a breathtaking beach setting with a mouthwatering spread of breakfast delights, infused with island flavours and rum-inspired treats. As the sun rises, festival-goers enjoy a true taste of paradise with fresh local produce and innovative breakfast creations crafted by Barbados’ culinary talent. It’s a relaxed yet refined way to start the day, bringing guests together over good food, great company, and the gentle hum of the Caribbean sea.

By nurturing young chefs, celebrating homegrown ingredients, and highlighting the expertise of local artisans, the Food & Rum Festival creates opportunities for local communities to thrive and invites visitors to connect deeply with Barbados’ rich culinary heritage.

Celebrate the Food & Rum Festival at Apes Hill Barbados

At Apes Hill, we’re passionate about creating authentic culinary experiences that celebrate the essence of Barbados. Throughout the Food & Rum Festival, we’ve collaborated with some of the island’s most talented chefs, mixologists, and artisans to bring an unforgettable taste of Bajan culture to our guests. This celebration is more than just dining—it’s about embracing the vibrant community of Apes Hill, a place where local talent, artistry, and hospitality come together to offer a true taste of the island.

At The Noisy Cricket Restaurant and Bar, guests were invited to indulge in our special Food & Rum-themed menu until the end of October. This year, we were also thrilled to welcome South African Chef Wandile Mabaso to Apes Hill for two exclusive festival events at The Noisy Cricket. Known for his artistic approach to food, Chef Mabaso brought a wealth of global experience from Michelin-starred kitchens in New York and Paris. Born in Soweto, South Africa, he has developed a unique culinary perspective that combines African roots with international flair.

As the Barbados Food & Rum Festival draws to a close, we at Apes Hill look forward to welcoming you to experience the spirit of the island year-round. From our exceptional culinary offerings to the breathtaking views and serene surroundings, Apes Hill is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the best of Barbados. Whether savoring a gourmet meal at The Noisy Cricket or exploring the island’s vibrant culture, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you here.

Enquire today to start planning your unforgettable stay with us and discover the magic of Barbados in every moment.