Antigua’s 7 best beach bars

The bar at Sheer Rocks has its own plunge pools (Rocks Group)

Perched atop a rocky cliff, in the centre of Antigua’s stunning west coast, Sheer Rocks is Antigua’s most sophisticated beach bar experience. With its bougainvillea-draped walkways, twinkling lights and lush greenery, it gives a European twist to the local Caribbean lifestyle, getting the mix perfectly right.

Even perennial favourites like rum punch and pina coladas are given the Sheer Rocks treatment, each cocktail presented like a work of art. The lunch menu features beautifully crafted tapas using fresh local ingredients. And the specially commissioned Balearic soundtrack sets the mood just so.

There’s lots of nooks and crannies to explore, including a level with a small infinity pool and a day bed that you can hire for the day for your own unique bar experience and an affordable indulgence.

More information: sheer-rocks.com

Looking out across Fort James Beach (BeachLimerz.com)

Run by Antiguan Calypso legend, Barry ‘Scorpion’ Edwards Beach, Beach Limerz is a lot like the man himself – casual, quirky and a whole lot of fun. The food is authentically Caribbean, the rum punch goes down a treat and a DJ in the corner keeps the mood just right throughout the night.

The open-sided wooden building sits right on historic Fort James Beach, offering a breezy beach-side ambiance. Later in the evening, patrons spill down on to the beach with their drinks in hand for a little moonlight dancing. If you’re lucky, Barry will get on the mic. Then things really go off.

More information: beachlimerz.com

The sun dappling through the neem trees at Catherine’s Cafe (Rocks Group)

Run by the same people as Sheer Rocks, Catherine’s Café is suitably stylish and chic, but with a more casual vibe. It’s situated on the beach at Pigeon Point in Falmouth Harbour, one of the loveliest beaches in Antigua.

The food here is French inspired, with local seafood served in the open-sided dining area, cooled by a sea breeze. Out front, luxurious daybeds sit scattered across the sand, ideal for enjoying cocktails under the dappled shade of leafy neem trees.

It’s Robinson Crusoe, if Robinson Crusoe had exquisite taste.

More information: catherines-cafe.com

Ana’s at sunset (Peter Moore)

Ana’s on the Beach in Dickenson Bay is all about understated elegance. Everywhere you look is an Instagrammable moment. Inside, scattered throw cushions add an elegant casualness. Outside, a long white wooden bench, with pink stools, sitting outside under a solitary palm tree, the perfect place to sip a cocktail as the sun sets over the outrageously blue sea.

Everything at Ana’s is set in harmony with the glorious surroundings, including the food. All ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, the menu displays both Mediterranean and Caribbean influences and a new bar menu offers bite-sized snacks that compliment the colourful cocktails perfectly. Ana’s has a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options too, something that is often difficult to find on the island.

More information: anas.ag

Aerial view of OJ’s Beach Bar (OJ’s Beach Bar)

OJ’s is perhaps the most authentic beach bar experience on the island. Set on right on the water on Valley Road, it resembles a castaway shack, decorate with a jumble of driftwood and other interesting flotsam and jetsam that has washed up from the sea. it’s a million miles away from the sleek chic resorts but that is part of its charm.

OJ’s claims to make the best rum punch on the island – made the traditional way – and having had one (or three) I can attest that they are excellent. Meals are similarly unfussy with grilled fresh fish a simple delight. Popular with locals, OJ’s is a fast track into the slow pace of island life.

More information: ojsbeachbar

Half Moon Bay. The three palm trees mark the spot (Shutterstock)

Set on magical Half Moon Bay, Beach Bum Bar & Grill is the pick of the east coast drinking spots. If it’s views, friendly staff and delicious no-frills seafood you’re after, the Beach Bum is for you. Just look for the palm trees and you’ve found it.

Beach Bum Bar & Grill is also quite the party spot too. The bar will use any excuse to have a celebration. It’s not unusual to find patron dancing on the tables at weekends. And their Halloween night is legendary, with locals coming from all over the island to take part.

More information: Facebook

Jacqui O’s. Right on the beach (Peter Moore)

Jacqui O’s is run with a theatrical flourish by British expat, Lance Leonhardt. Ordering is a production in itself. The merit of each dish revealed with a great drama and its scarcity duly stressed.

The bar itself is real sand-in-your-toes stuff. The pods on the beach out front are perfect for watching the sun set, a suitable tropical cocktail to hand. And when you return to your table inside, you can kick off your shoes and wriggle your toes in the sand as you tuck into your giant fresh lobster, known affectionately as Godzilla.

More information: jacquiosbeachhouse