Braddies Bar is one of the most famous and internationally recognized rum shops in Barbados. The history of the premises dates back over 90 years when it was operated as a shop serving the local community of St. Lawrence and Dover. Although the ownership of the property has changed over the years, its essential character has remained as a outlet where persons of every social and ethnic background congregate to discuss everything under the sun - whether it’s sports(especially cricket), politics, entertainment, social issues, sex, rum - or to simply take a break from the stresses of life.

Known for its world famous pork chops and chicken wings, local and overseas patrons flock to this bar to taste this delicacy which has been prepared with a special blend of spices and seasoning by Shirley, wife of owner, Delisle “Braddie” Bradshaw, a former Government Minister and politician.

Braddie’s attracts persons from every spectrum of society. From the cricket fraternity, world famous West Indian cricketers such as Brian Lara, Lance Gibbs, Desmond Haynes, Sir Everton Weekes, Barry Richards from South Africa and the greatest cricketer of all, Sir Gary Sobers have frequented this institution. Cricket enthusiasts such as Conde Riley and Tony Marshall and even practicing priests have been known to enjoy quiet evenings at the Bar.

Former and current Prime Ministers, past and present Ministers of both political parties, aspiring and established politicians, civil servants and diplomats can be found in regular attendance catching up on old times with Braddie and discussing and debating local, regional and international political events as they unfold.

Local residents such as the Aktar family, Mr. Hinkson, Chief, Ivan, Heads, Owen Bowen, Loretto, and entertainers such as Bumba, Gabby and Gregory G are regulars at the Bar. Others over the years have been Brian Forde, Fosky, Fud Browne, Red Marshall, Blackie and Mark, Owen Bowen and Texx .

The young, the old. visitors to Barbados as well as locals, people of all races and nationalities visit the Bar, especially on Friday nights for karaoke which runs from 10 p.m. until the following morning at 6 a.m., or rather until the last patron leaves the premises.

Since 1988 the Bar has been operating under the name “Braddie’s” with Shirley, Delisle and their two daughters Katrina and Santia. Born out an experience which Braddie enjoyed at a similar establishment in Belize, he developed the foundation for what has become “an institution run by a politician” as described by a writer in an article from London’s Financial Times.

Over the years, the Bar has seen numerous changes. As the patronage grew, more space had to be created to accommodate its popularity. The Bar was also home to the Braddie’s 8 Ballers pool team and has played host to several pool competitions in the adjoining pool room to the premises.

So what makes the “Braddie’s experience” remarkably different from any other local rum shop? Is it the feeling of oneness and friendship which emanates from the locals and tourists alike as they sing in and out of key at the karaoke sessions? Or is it the opportunity to socialize with persons from all walks of life without regard to race, social class or affluence. Essentially, it is a combination of all these factors which have helped to create the Braddie’s experience.

As the Bar approaches its 20th year under the management of the Bradshaw family, cosmetic changes were made to the interior and exterior of the Bar to increase the floor space, create an area for entertainers to showcase their talent and improve the overall facilities for its patrons. The changes have been guided by an underlying philosophy of the family to retain the look and feel of the traditional rum shop décor whilst making minor modern changes to the Bar’s facade.

With the combined efforts of the Bradshaws, Tony Hoyos of the Plantation Theatre, Paul Marshall - architect ,Mark Griffith - contractor and Mark Stapleton - graphic artist, the legacy of Braddie’s Bar continues.

Plans are underway for the relaunch of Braddie's Bar which will feature a series of comedy nights, open mic nights, karaoke and back in time sessions starting in April, 08.