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Welcome to Speightstown.
Speightstown takes refuge in the north of Barbados. Sandwiched between Mullins and Six Men’s Bay. This town, whose story seems not yet finished, appears to be slowly emerging from its time capsule.
However, Speightstown’s stubborn reluctance to get with the times might not be a bad idea at all. Seeing that some like to take one step today and one step tomorrow. Likewise, in Speightstown, we have just the vibes for you.
Nonetheless, whichever God of Mischief decided to relegate Speightstown to its temporal prison (I am not calling any names, Loki😁) might have done us all a favour by allowing us to peer back into a charming instance in time. No time machine is needed.
How did Speightstown get its name?
Spoiler alert! If William Speight were to return to Barbados at this moment in time, take a look at shiny new Warrens, drop in at Oistins and stroll through Bridgetown.
If I am not mistaken, on his return to Speightstown, he would probably scream out at the top of his lungs, “bloody f***ing hell, what happened here, chaps?
Hence, you guessed it. Speightstown is named after William Speight
What is the second-largest city in Barbados?
The city in the north grabs that dubious distinction because I fear that the new shiny town in Warrens has already taken up that mantle.
Nonetheless, if the powers that be say Speightstown is the second-largest city in Barbados, then it is.
Is Speightstown worth a visit?
On one of my days off from work, I headed to Speightstown with a friend. I hadn’t been to this side of the country in ages, so I took the opportunity.
Naturally, I grabbed my camera gear and enjoyed the morning drive north from St George.
Surprisingly, this charming town has a lot to offer. Even leisurely strolling around hits different here.
- The Old and The New.
Many cities around the world embrace the old and the new. Therefore, two architectural types exist together. And Speightstown is no different.
The Colonial features shine through the architecture and artefacts of past forts.
Meanwhile, the hustle and bustle of everyday life continues.
- The Arts.
The Gallery of Caribbean Art is located in Speightstown. It’s the only gallery in the region committed to promoting the arts of the entire Caribbean.
Therefore, this gallery hosts several exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of artists, sculptors and photographers.
- There is a mural.
On the side of Jordan’s Supermarket. Facing the beach. There is an interesting mural.
It measures 80 feet long and 20 feet high. This monument in Barbados was designed and painted by Barbadian artist Don Small in collaboration with world-renowned muralist John Pugh and his wife, Annie.
The mural creates the illusion of massive holes in the wall, which open onto a beautifully painted medley of images of Barbados on a bridge.
The entire mural uses realistic imagery of Harrison’s Cave, Indigenous Peoples, Green Monkeys (native to the island), chattel houses, symbols of independence, and much more!
- The Markets
While in the markets, you can buy fish, fruits, vegetables and ground provisions of your liking. For instance, I needed some lemons to add to a whiskey sour I had planned to make.
Because I was in the market, I bought them there and then.
- Where to eat?
There are a lot of places where you can grab something to eat while in Speightstown. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. Whether on the beach, sitting in a restaurant or the local rum shop vibe.
Firstly, Fisherman Pub offers a Bajan dining experience by the sea. They also serve a variety of rum and cocktails, along with local favourites such as rice and peas, macaroni pie, baked chicken, and the National Dish – cou-cou and flying fish.
Secondly, there are many high-end restaurants and hotels where you can stop for lunch. However, on this trip, I wanted to relax on the beach and sip on a coconut. Therefore, opt for Barefoot In The Bar.
Lastly, Barefoot In The Bar is on Speightstown Beach, just down the steps from the 3D mural I mentioned earlier.
It’s owned and operated by Janice Springer, a local.
We stumbled upon this quaint hideaway on the beach. However, that was some expert stumbling on our part.
- Barefoot in the Bar.
As I said before, I almost walked past Barefoot In The Bar.
At first, my friend wanted to check out the more upscale restaurant next door. However, my soul wasn’t in the mood for upscale. Hence, Barefoot In The Bar.
As soon as I noticed the Bar, I knew that’s where I wanted to have lunch.
Right on the beach, in a beach chair, under an umbrella, sipping on a cocktail from a coconut. How does life get any better?
Janice and her staff were friendly and courteous. They invited us over, offered us a menu, and in no time, our lunch was served.
Overall, the atmosphere on the beach was excellent. The sky was overcast, and the wind was blowing just right. So, one could eat and fall into a deep sleep right on the beach. Ah, the good times!
Barefoot In The Bar offers a sunset dinner. I have yet to return for one, but I promise you I am sure, too.
- To contact Barefoot In the Bar, call Janice Springer:(246) 264-6247
or visit website:https://blue-ocean-beach-chair-rentals.business.site/
- Honorable Mention
At the very top of the main street, there is another quaint and rustic bar.
However, on the day I visited, they weren’t open. But this is definitely a bar I will visit the next time I am in Speightstown.
That Bar is called the Caboose.
So there you go. To answer your question, if Speightstown is worth the visit, heck yeah.
I’ll be sure to fill you in when I return. Updates are to come for sure.
What is Speightstown known for?
What city in England once did a thriving trade with Speightstown?
Speightstown was the first port in Barbados to engage in thriving trade between the Island and England, more so with Bristol.
Consequently, as a result of this trade with Bristol, Speightstown became known as “little Bristol”.
How do you pronounce Speightstown?
To be honest. I have been pronouncing it as ”Spitestown” my whole life. Similarly, I can’t imagine, to think of pronouncing it with a “k”.
However, if pronouncing it with a ”K” floats your boat, then keep on rowing.
How to get to Speightstown?
- Speightstown will be easier to get to than most places. If you are in Bridgetown, you can take a yellow minivan from the Lower Green Bus Stand to get there.
- From Oistins bus terminal, you can take a blue or yellow Speightstown bus, and you will arrive at the same.
- If you are driving, connect to Google Maps, and it will be seamless.
In conclusion
Speightstown was a nice find – Me acting as if I had never been before. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach, renting jet skis or learning about the history of this place. Trust me, there is a lot to see; just slow down a bit and take it all in.
I have to return to update this post, and when I do, I’ll set up camp somewhere else and let you know how it went.
Therefore, Book that flight to Barbados, book your hotel in Barbados and have a great stay.
Hopefully I’ll run into you in the city in the North.
