The rum shop is the fundamental social institution of Barbados, and Bridgetown has dozens of them. They range from tiny unmarked rooms with a fridge, a counter, and three stools to the more elaborate affairs on the Careenage with terraces and live music on weekends. Mount Gay rum is the local standard — it is one of the oldest commercial rum distilleries in the world, operating since at least 1703 — and a Banks beer is the other staple of any Bajan afternoon.
The historic centre has enough rum shops that you will find one on most streets. They are for everyone: workers, vendors, lawyers, tourists. The etiquette is simple — greet the room when you enter, order what you want, and don't take up a stool if you are not drinking.