The Best Bars on Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Drinks with a view and lively conversation are the hallmarks of a visit to Stoutt’s Lookout Bar. As the name suggests, this much-loved hillside perch overlooks the breaking waves of Cane Garden Bay and the rolling green hills beyond. Open to the sea breeze, the cantilevered deck gives the impression of being in a treehouse at times, surrounded by banana trees moving in the wind. It’s a great place to get to know the locals over a Cooper Island IPA.

The welcoming Nigel’s is a home-made affair, with a small bar built from shipping pallets and a simple shelter to provide respite from the sun. You’re likely to meet Nigel himself, pouring drinks and whipping up plates of jerk chicken. There are no toilets, and it’s cash only. However, you can expect lethal cocktails, sizzling hotdogs and good company. Bring your snorkelling gear – the bar sits opposite one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean.

Across from the Road Town Ferry Terminal, Pusser’s location couldn’t be more convenient; it’s an ideal stop to start or end a voyage or after a trip on the inter-island ferry. It describes itself as “Tortola’s version of an English pub”. The wood- and trophy-clad walls, Victorian chandeliers, chandlery and vintage photos give it that lived-in feel you want from a convivial watering hole. Don’t leave without trying the famous Pusser’s Painkiller, made with rum distilled on-site (watch out, it’s strong). Want a keepsake? Order the souvenir mug.

While it’s not a bar, you’ll want to visit this historic spot if you love rum – it’s among the oldest continuous pot distilleries in the Caribbean, dating back at least 400 years. The Callwood family has been making rum at this stone-built former plantation since the 18th century, and they still use the same method, pouring pure cane juice into a 200-year-old boiler. You’ll see it all on a tour of the site, where you can sample some before you leave or, if driving, buy a bottle to take home.

How sturdy are those sea legs? How about after a Painkiller or two? You can’t go to the British Virgin Islands without swinging by Willy T, the famous floating bar. While the original vessel was lost to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the spirit was reborn in this new ship, moored off the Bight at Norman Island. Catch a water taxi from Tortola for a day of high-tempo fun, pumping tunes and shots off paddles.

Sit beneath the palms at this patio-based South African wine bar in Road Town. Despite its roots, it has a different evening theme from Monday to Saturday. Some nights are Italian (think pizzas and wine), while others are Mexican (two shrimp tacos and a margarita, please). Monthly parties with live music draw a mix of locals and travellers. Service isn’t fast, but who cares? You’re on island time now.

Reggae beats are at the heart of this beach bar in Cane Garden Bay. Since 1983, it’s gone through several incarnations – “some by the hands of man and a couple by hurricanes”, according to the bar’s operators. After all, Quito’s is steps from the Caribbean Sea. Come sunset, the view across to Jost Van Dyke is priceless. Relax on a sun lounger with old friends, or prop up the bar with new ones.

Remember full moon parties? Trellis Bay Market Bar and Grill is renowned for them. Expect moko jumbies (stilt walkers), sizzling barbecue ribs, fire dancers, live music and mountains of seafood. Moon phases aside, there are weekly events to cater for the party crowd – from karaoke on Saturdays to weekly DJ sets. During the day, the atmosphere is more relaxed, catering for the yachts that moor in the bay.