Swizzle Inn: Bermuda’s Iconic Pub and Home of the Rum Swizzle
Discover Bermuda’s oldest pub, its legendary Rum Swizzle cocktail, vibrant culture, and guest traditions handed down for generations.
Swizzle Inn: Bermuda’s Oldest Pub and the Birthplace of Rum Swizzle
On the northeastern shore of Bermuda, where the Atlantic breeze meets vibrant island culture, lies an institution beloved by locals and visitors alike: Swizzle Inn. Opened in Bailey’s Bay in 1932 inside a 17th-century roadhouse, the Swizzle Inn is celebrated both as the oldest pub on the island and the birthplace of Bermuda’s most iconic cocktail—the Rum Swizzle. This legendary bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it’s a tapestry woven from history, community, and the spirit of Bermuda itself.
The Heart of Island Social Life
From its founding, the Swizzle Inn embraced both local traditions and British pub culture. It welcomed generations of Bermudians and travelers, with its walls plastered in graffiti, business cards, and signatures, leaving an indelible mark of every visitor’s story. The pub’s hospitality, lively banter, and excellent food have ensured its continued popularity for nearly a century. Today, its dual locations—in Bailey’s Bay and Warwick—allow even more guests to experience its singularly Bermudian charm.
A Brief History: The Swizzle Inn’s Origins
- Founded: 1932, in a converted roadhouse dating from the 17th century.
- Location: Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish, close to Bermuda’s famous Crystal and Fantasy Caves.
- Signature Feature: Earliest guest book entries from 1942 document the inn’s hospitality through decades.
- Family-Owned: The pub remains under local ownership, passing down traditions from generation to generation.
The history is palpable as you enter—the walls are covered with colorful graffiti, visitor notes, and even business cards from across the globe. The result is a patchwork of stories spanning nearly a century, testifying to the bar’s place in Bermuda’s collective memory.
Atmosphere: Where British Pub Meets Island Dive Bar
The Swizzle Inn’s ambiance is like nowhere else on the island—part classic English pub, part American dive bar, and entirely Bermudian.
- Graffiti Walls: Guests are encouraged to leave their mark, resulting in walls covered with names, doodles, and witty phrases.
- Business Card Ceiling: Business cards from around the world are stapled to the rafters, forming a living archive of Swizzle Inn alumni.
- Visitor Books: Haphazard stacks of guestbooks, some dating back to the 1940s, allow patrons to leaf through decades of island stories.
- Quirky Signs: Traditional pub humor abounds, such as warnings to pay in advance if ‘drinking to forget’.
- Relaxed Vibe: Welcoming to both tourists and locals, the Inn can be lively and bustling—especially during high tourist season and cruise ship arrivals.
The result is a venue where the old mingles with the new, and stories are made and remembered with every visit.
Culinary Delights: Pub Fare with a Bermudian Twist
While the Swizzle Inn is globally famed for its drinks, the food is a draw in its own right. Its kitchen serves traditional pub grub with a uniquely Bermudian flavor.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A classic comfort dish and one of the menu mainstays drawing loyal regulars.
- Fish Sandwich: A local specialty, often praised for its flaky fresh fish and generous portion.
- Weekend Breakfast: Served until 3 p.m. on weekends, perfect for late risers or those nursing a night of celebration.
- Bermudian Flavors: Menus often highlight local seafood, fresh produce, and home-style cooking.
The mix attracts both adventurous travelers and those seeking the warmth of familiar comfort food, all with an island twist.
The Rum Swizzle: Bermuda’s National Cocktail
If Bermuda has a signature drink, it’s the Rum Swizzle. Associated indelibly with the Swizzle Inn, the cocktail is enjoyed across the island and has become a symbol of local hospitality and celebration.
Origins and Tradition
The Rum Swizzle’s origins date to the opening of the Swizzle Inn in 1932. At the time, the Outerbridge family—founders with Bermuda roots reaching back to the 1600s—used whatever ingredients were locally available: Gosling’s Rum, blended with citrus juices and tropical syrups, all mixed using a swizzle stick cut from the Quararibea turbinata tree (the so-called Swizzlestick Tree).
- Early Versions: Early swizzles were simple, often watered-down rum with fruit juice and ice.
- Modern Recipe: The Rum Swizzle is now an art form, varying by bar, bartender, and family tradition:
- Blend of light and dark rums
- Pineapple and orange juices
- Lemon juice and local falernum or sugar syrup
- Angostura Bitters for complexity
- Grenadine often added for color
- Signature Preparation: Traditionally shaken or ‘swizzled’ with a swizzle stick for a foamy finish.
- Fun Fact: The Swizzle Inn alone sells approximately 200,000 Rum Swizzles each year!
There is no single recipe for the Rum Swizzle, and Bermudians pride themselves on the unique varieties served at home, at parties, or by their favorite barman. The cocktail is more than refreshment—it’s the center of friendly debate about whose mix reigns supreme.
| Ingredient | Amount (for 6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Gosling’s Black Seal Rum | 4 oz |
| Gosling’s Gold Seal Rum | 4 oz |
| Triple Sec | 3 oz |
| Pineapple Juice | 5 oz |
| Orange Juice | 5 oz |
| Lemon Juice | Juice of 2 lemons |
| Bermuda Falernum or Sugar Syrup | 2 oz |
| Angostura Bitters | 6 dashes |
The Friendly Swizzle Rivalries
“Everyone here in Bermuda who makes a rum swizzle claims that they have the best one,” says owner Jay Correia. Local variations abound, making it nearly impossible to settle which version reigns supreme, but the Swizzle Inn remains the original and the most famous.
Location: At the Heart of Hamilton Parish
The Swizzle Inn, Bailey’s Bay, is ideally situated for travelers seeking both adventure and refreshment:
- Proximity: A stone’s throw from the mesmerizing Crystal and Fantasy Caves, the Swizzle Inn is a popular stop for those seeking respite after underground exploration.
- Transport: Easily accessible by public transportation and close to scenic hiking and cycling routes.
- Tourist Hub: During cruise ship season, the pub fills quickly with visitors seeking an authentic taste of Bermuda.
An additional Swizzle Inn outpost in Warwick allows guests on the island’s western side to sample the same legendary experience.
Tradition and Community: The Swizzle Inn’s Enduring Appeal
Beyond its food and drinks, the Swizzle Inn is prized for its role as a community hub. Its walls tell generations of stories, and its relaxed welcoming vibe encourages guests to linger, chat, and perhaps even leave a mark of their own.
- Local Mix: An eclectic mix of locals and tourists fills the seats, both groups swapping tales and recommendations.
- Memorabilia: The accumulation of business cards, graffiti, and guestbook entries gives the pub an interactive feel and sense of timelessness.
- Events: Occasional live music and special events, especially during holidays and peak tourist periods, add to the festive atmosphere.
- Gift Shop: Recent years have seen the addition of a gift shop, allowing guests to take home memorabilia.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, the perfect island cocktail, or simply a slice of Bermuda’s character and camaraderie, the Swizzle Inn remains an essential part of any visit.
Why Visit the Swizzle Inn?
- Historic Significance: Experience the oldest pub in Bermuda and the birthplace of its world-renowned cocktail.
- Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in local traditions and community spirit.
- Great Food: Enjoy classic dishes and weekend breakfasts.
- Atmosphere: Soak in the lively decor, friendly crowds, and quirky humor.
- Signature Drink: Sample the famous Rum Swizzle where it all began.
A visit to the Swizzle Inn is more than just a meal or drink—it’s a rite of passage for anyone wanting to understand the heart of Bermuda.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where is the original Swizzle Inn located?
A: The original Swizzle Inn is in Bailey’s Bay, Hamilton Parish, near the Crystal and Fantasy Caves.
Q: What is the Swizzle Inn famous for?
A: It’s Bermuda’s oldest pub and the birthplace of the Rum Swizzle, the island’s signature cocktail.
Q: What is in a traditional Rum Swizzle?
A: A blend of light and dark rum, pineapple and orange juices, lemon juice, falernum (or sugar syrup), Angostura bitters, and sometimes grenadine, all mixed until frothy.
Q: Can I leave my business card or write on the wall?
A: Yes! It’s tradition for visitors to staple their business card to the ceiling or walls and sign their name or leave graffiti.
Q: What kind of food does the Swizzle Inn serve?
A: Pub classics with an island twist—shepherd’s pie, fish sandwiches, and weekend breakfasts are most popular.
Q: Who invented the Rum Swizzle?
A: The drink’s invention is credited to the Swizzle Inn’s founders in the 1930s, though variations exist throughout Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Q: Are there other locations?
A: Yes, a second Swizzle Inn in Warwick serves the same menu and signature drinks for guests on the western side of Bermuda.
Swizzle Inn Highlights and Visitor Tips
- Bring your business card: Become part of Swizzle Inn lore by stapling it to the walls or rafters.
- Explore local history: Ask staff about guestbooks and the oldest entries, some dating back to the 1940s.
- Try the original Rum Swizzle: Order the house pitcher for a true taste of the inn’s legacy.
- Stop by after exploring the caves: The pub is just steps from Crystal and Fantasy Caves, making it a perfect lunch destination.
- Expect crowds: Arrive early during cruise ship season to secure a table as the pub fills quickly with visitors.
Conclusion
The Swizzle Inn is a living museum as much as it is a pub—offering guests a quintessentially Bermudian welcome, hearty meals, and the intoxicating pleasure of the Rum Swizzle. Whether you arrive for the history, the hospitality, or the famed cocktail, you’ll find yourself swept into the unique rhythm of life that has made the Swizzle Inn an island icon for nearly a century.
