Juran Bowen

Barbados

Now this bar is an old time local favourite for the middle class of Barbados, but what this unique space has become is so much more. Embracing its connection to live music and its commitment to providing LGBTQIA+ safe spaces, Mojo has become a hub centred on love, family and acceptance. It’s easy to get to and the food is really yummy too. My favourite hidden gem here are the deep fried mushrooms, and all the bar tenders know me and my friends by name.

Now this one is close to my creative side. Sage Bar represents artistry at its finest as it is the home to so many queer-friendly creative spaces for open mics to performances in the most intimate of settings. The aesthetic of the place is its charm and eclectic atmosphere with mismatched pieces of furniture – from couches to stools to love seats and more; but imagine that all in the front of your cosy old style Barbadian bungalow. You heard right. It’s run out of the owners’ house and trust me when I say you’d love them, because they run it with love, love and more love.

Worthing Square is like a second home to me. It’s a food truck plaza with about 30 types of food to choose from: Asian fusion, Italian pizza, tacos, burgers, Bajan food (like the real, real stuff), curries and even some Arabian food. Imagine all of that and then add a Mount Gay rum bar with specialty cocktails and bottles for sale, even a three for $10 beer special, and seating to enjoy the cool shade on a hot day. At night, the vibe changes as live entertainment livens up the place.

This is my best friend’s favourite place to go and I knew I needed to
mention it because thrifting is both charity and self-gratification. Cheap, unique, thrifty finds with a particular Bajan flair, trust me it’s worth it.

Lastly, my workspace. An organisation dedicated to providing safe spaces and services to the LGBTQIA+ community. Now I've got to mention this. Equals hosts and sponsors limes, games nights, balls, parties, quiz nights – all for queer people by queer people.

Queer-Friendly Spaces in Barbados Spotlighted by Juran

Alanis Forde

This is located opposite the Garrison where Gold Cup Horse racing takes place. So you're seeing more than one cultural spot and right around the corner is a bunch of food places. So you know, all in one there. 

There's pottery places and there's an art gallery. There's some food places as well. It's very cool. It's a walkway away from the port and from where the cruise ships dock.

This recently opened in 2021 and there are these benches that these artists were commissioned to create. There's also this beautiful like brick wall with different last names of people in Barbados. I think Rihanna visited it on one of her last visits here. So it's a cool little historical heritage like brick wall. But if you're from Barbados you can find your last name.

The Art Scene in Barbados with Alanis Forde

Ashlee Constance

The BEST bakery on the island. I always get a jampuff, a horseshoe and apple crumble. Don't forget to try their salt bread, it's a must have in Barbados, they're the base of cutters. Cutters can have in fish, fishcakes, ham, cheese... find one before you leave.

Only the rain can keep me from heading to Browne's beach on the weekend. While you're there get a snowcone.

A sweet rum shop with a sweet view. My go-to place for a Sunday evening beer and some karaoke. It's right by the beach so normally I'll go in the water for a nice sea bath, order some food, watch the sunset and head home.

It's really all about the sauce but the rotisserie chicken and chips are pretty good. Perfect place to find a big food and catch a local vibe.

There's local fruits and vegetables, art and a thrift store upstairs. When I'm in Bridgetown, I always try to pass through to buy some stuff and support local vendors. Try to find the lady outside roasting corn, it's really good.

Oistins is where you should be on Friday nights and you must go to Lexie's while you're there. Ideal spot to catch some new and old Bajan vibes, drink some rum and lime. It's also my official line dancing spot.

Calming beach spot, one of my favourite places to go when I need to breathe. During low tide, the natural pools are sooo refreshing. Ask around for the rum shop on the hill, for some sick views.

Off the Beaten Track in Barbados with Ashlee Constance

Junior Sealy 

The smoothies here have gotten me through some of the longest days and always make for amazing hangout beverages. They also have great cold salads.

Five Gaits is where I go to get equine therapy and learn to really ride via Equestrian classes but the best thing is a trail ride through the valley with friends and then after grabbing some of the best ital/ vegetarian food from Ras Val's! The vibes are great all around and the food never fails! Oh, the moonlight rides with the roast breadfruit are something special.

In Martins Bay, St.John - this spot and the grilled marlin or snapper with rice and their sweet potato pie with Cole slaw...topping it off with a tamarind drink or coconut water from in the shop below. It's one of those places that when you are on east...you can get a nice meal and its never crowded on most days except Thursdays - thats their fish fry mini festival day with music etc.

There are many people selling juices on the side of the street but not like these...her combinations are special and the flavours are super interesting. I would stop by every Saturday morning religiously! Tell her Junior sent you! She is honestly the best!

A great spot for that mid morning ital vibes. Just check when they are open cause it's a bit of a drive if you not staying up in St.Philip.

Not only is the place beautiful with incredible views and you can take a dip in a natural cave swimming pool then come out order breadfruit tacos and maybe catch a whale passing by. It's right up north but well worth the drive plus Sue and Manny are great!

Up North, there isn't much but this gem hidden in a small community is a special place with a chilled vibe and really local food full of love. The owner is super nice and the food is great! The macaroni pie and the grilled fish - Slaps!!!!

In Speightstown, if you want something a bit more local and low key...this is the spot. I would come here with a close friend every weekend and get a full veggie meal or maybe add a bit of fish. One of those "yuh grandmother or mother cook that" feelings.

Okay, let's talk about this big box combo - it changes every day and with each day you just feel the energy put into it. The creativity of the vegan/vegetarian meals and the new mixtures are exciting plus get a kombucha - you can go wrong!

One of my favourite spots to chill for a drink and watch the sunset. The concoctions are the best and the finger foods mixed with the decor - all a big hit for me and my friends. The music is always great with special nights hosting incredible DJ's.

The South coast's newest hot spot. Owned by the same owner as one of the best night time spots on the island "Red Door" this is like a day party with good food and a good vibe.

Sometimes, I want to eat something different but it might be a bit hard if I don't want to eat fish so this place is perfect because almost every meal could be asked to be vegetarian. The staff and owner make

In the sea of spots to eat in oistins - this is my go to fish spot. I always get the grilled Swordfish with Rice, Grilled or Parsley Potatoes and all the salads. I am never disappointed and all my friends who visit me would tell you it's the one place I will always take them. This spot and everyone involved has become like a family to me.