Bermuda's oldest drinking establishment has seen a lot of changes since 1932, when it was a quiet country pub. To differentiate itself from its competition, the owner concocted a proprietary tipple, a potent mixture of fruit juices, local Gosling's rum, Barbados rum and Falernum (a blend of fruit and herbs similar to grenadine), which he christened the Rum Swizzle. Today the Swizzle is Bermuda's national drink, and the pub has spawned a second location on Warwick's South Shore Road. By lunchtime a thirsty throng spills onto the patio and balcony. Regulars order shepherd's pie, fish and chips or bangers and mash washed down with a pint, while those with less Anglicized palates favor fish chowder and conch fritters. Patrons brush up against heavily graffitied walls, embellished since the 1940s with scribbled messages and festooned with business cards from all over the world. The Swizzle is the star of happy hour, and there's live music from 9 pm. Sun lovers join the party after a day at the beach, Brit tourists vie for trivia-quiz supremacy, and boisterous international sports fans flock to the TV to cheer their teams. Much like the beverage that bears its name, the Swizzle Inn is the perfect mixer.
Swizzle Inn
Bailey's Bay, Bermuda
Open daily from 11 am to 1 am; kitchen closes at 10 pm
441-293-1854; swizzleinn.com
