Given that Barbados claims to be the birthplace of rum and is the self-styled culinary capital of the Caribbean, it is no surprise to learn that the island hosts an annual Food & Rum Festival.

The four days of epicurean delights take place at the end of October – a chance to sample offerings from some of the country’s top chefs and mixologists, many of whom have won medals at international competitions.

The opening extravaganza is usually at the Bay Gardens, Oistins, but the festival moves round the island combining fine-dining restaurants with street venues.

Events involve tasting sessions, rum-cocktails, cook-offs, buffet feasts and a gourmet safari. Expect a fusion of flavours, with creative twists of local favourites such as flying fish, breadfruit and coucou, as well as other mouthwatering tropical treats.

Practical Info

See the Barbados tourism website for details.