Food, Rum & Celebrity Chefs

In 2022, the Barbados Food & Rum Festival made a successful comeback with the theme ‘Feed the Future,’ which is part of the event’s goal to empower the next generation of culinary talent on the island, thereby nurturing the future of Barbadian cuisine.

Produced by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI), the Festival transforms the month of October into a delicious island escapade, featuring Bajan and international chefs, renowned rum producers, and famous culinary celebrities. As it becomes a mecca for foodies from all over the world, the Barbados Food & Rum Festival 2023 promises to capture the very essence of our island culture, where food, rum, and celebration come together in pure, unadulterated bliss.

Taste The Heritage

As a legendary British screen icon might say, not a lot of people know this, but Barbados - an island well-known for white sand beaches and turquoise waters - is also known as ‘the Birthplace of Rum, which has played a significant part in our history and culture for 350 years. Take a drive to the countryside, and you’ll see acres of sugarcane lining the roads, which each year is harvested, fermented, and distilled to make our signature rum.

And if you’ve ever enjoyed a sip of Barbados rum, you’ll know why it is distinguished as “the strongest and most refined rum in the world.” The main ingredient to some of the sweetest and spiciest tropical libations that Barbados has to offer, it’s also the special ingredient in our world famous Rum Punch. The still active Mount Gay Rum distillery holds an official deed dating back to 1703, making us the first on record to produce the favourite tipple of sailors everywhere.

On October 20, this year’s Barbados Food & Rum Festival features the ‘Rum Route’, a unique islandwide ‘moving party’ filled with rum tasting, music and spectacular locations, where you’ll be literally transported back to the history of rum and learn why Barbados is its undisputed birthplace. 

O2 Welcomes Chef Anne Burrell

Discover the artistry behind exquisite cuisine in a series of intimate cooking demos entitled ‘Chef Classics’, where you’ll learn the best-kept secrets, insider tips and tricks of the trade from world-renowned chefs. At O2 Beach Club & Spa, we’re delighted to welcome FoodTV star, Chef Anne Burrell to cook and share her passion in this live and interactive Food & Rum Festival event.

With her trademark spiky blonde hair and sparkling personality, Anne Burrell is the hugely popular and fan favourite host of Worst Cooks in America and Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition. Burrell is an industry veteran whose passion for food and cooking began at an early age, triggered by her love of watching Julia Child and her own mother’s talent in the kitchen. Burrell has cooked in some of the most prominent kitchens in New York and in Italy. She has a true love of the Italian kitchen and cuisine.

'Elevate' By Oro

Join us on Saturday, October 21 for an elegant, all-inclusive evening, beginning at sunset with an intimate meet and greet with Bajan-born celebrity Chef Renee Blackman and our own masterful Mixologist, Rohan Hackshaw. Enjoy a delicious 5-course menu, which elevates traditional Bajan flavours to new heights, paired with curated cocktails and selected wines. Live entertainment will be provided by Wesu, a talented Bajan singing star featured on The Voice, UK.

With dozens of other events and experiences packed into the four days from October 19-22, the Barbados Food & Rum Festival 2023 is bound to be pleasing on the palette, so if your mouth is watering at the thought of an islandwide culinary celebration, we’ve got great news for you!

Book O2 Beach Club & Spa's Food & Rum Festival Special and you’ll set out on a journey for all the senses, from our five-star all-inclusive gourmet menus and top-shelf premium drinks, to special-themed resort events and experiences, including

• Rum N Tings Welcome Gift
• Two tickets for Rum Route tour (Oct 20)
• Barefoot Bubbles at Sunset
• Live DJ by the Pool Vibez 
• Daily ‘Food & Rum How To’ Experiences

So what are you waiting for? BOOK DIRECT and enjoy delicious benefits of the Barbados Food & Rum Festival Special at O2 Beach Club & Spa.