By: La Shawna Griffith
Nestled in the heart of St. John is The Village Bar (Lemon Arbour), which is known for its delicious pudding and souse, pickled sea cat and pickled conch. The Village Bar is much more than a rum shop, it is a meeting point for persons in St. John, and a place Barbadians and tourist alike frequent to on Saturdays just to taste delicious Barbadian food.
From the outside, the pastel-green façade, hand-painted louvered shutters belie the depth of history that is apparent when you push the swing doors and step into a bright room which is perfumed with the smell of the sea breeze.
The Village Bar history is one that is rooted with matriarchs who passed down the generation of cooking through generations, as initially, Miss Norma was known for her delicious meals and her larger-than-life personality. Miss Norma who was a former sugar estate cook used to prepare homemade souse in an iron cauldron to the delight of many of her customers. Since her, her children and grandchildren have carried on the legacy and on Saturday’s the space is bustling with hundreds of patrons eager to hear about one of the most revered pudding and souse establishments on island.
The Village Bar is much more than just a place where you get your delicious pudding and souse as it is a place that reminds us that our Barbadian authenticity tastes best when made with love.
