Still Swizzling!

By Jay Correia

The Swizzle Inn pub sold its first Rum Swizzle in 1932 and the rest, as they say, is history. Most people with any connection to Bermuda know about the Swizzle Inn in Bailey's Bay. This 18th-century landmark is perfectly located on the main route to and from the airport and St. George's. In the 1930s, it was an ideal stop for watering the horses. Now it's the perfect place to whet your whistle with our national drink: the potent Rum Swizzle!

This Bermuda original has a rich and interesting history, not least of which includes the owners, staff and guests who have been part of the Swizzle Inn experience. From the owner in the 1950s, the flamboyant Stuart Outerbridge, and Lincoln Outerbridge, the bartender who carried a tray of swizzles on his head, to the infamous Irishman Bill Kelly, the Swizzle Inn has had a cast of characters throughout its history.

Since 1962, the Swizzle has been owned and operated by the Correia family, starting with Johnny and Jackie, and then son Jay. The family lived upstairs until the '80s, so it was literally a "Mom and Pop" shop. A thump on the ceiling from Bobby Trott, the bartender below, was all it took to get Johnny down to greet another "swizzler."

With an endless array of jokes, a bag full of magic tricks and their trusted friend, Savage the German shepherd, Johnny and Jackie were renowned for creating a fun atmosphere during a time when Bermuda may have seemed a little "stuffier" to some.

It was a unique concept then - as it still is today - to tack up business cards everywhere and to cover walls with graffiti. With the variety of guests served - honeymooners, college students, military personnel from the nearby U.S. base, visiting celebrities and colourful locals - there has never been a dull moment at the Swizzle Inn.

Imagine watching Savage delivering in his mouth the daily deposits to the mobile bank that used to park in front of Swizzle Inn. You don't see something like that every day!

The Correia family took Swizzle Inn from a quiet country pub to the roaring success it is today with a restaurant and gift shop and now a second location, The Swizzle South Shore, at 87 South Road, Warwick.

Jay Correia and his team have taken the successful formula they have established in Bailey's Bay and applied it to the new location, which was formally Paw Paws Restaurant. After extensive renovations, the new Swizzle reflects the same qualities that have made the original Swizzle Inn so famous: a unique and warm atmosphere, delicious and affordable pub fare and, of course, the Rum Swizzle! All the same favourites are available at both locations: the award-winning Swizzle Burger, colossal Bailey's Bay Fish Sandwich, mountainous nachos, homemade onion rings, conch fritters and all the other treats a good pub serves.

What's more, the pub area at The Swizzle South Shore has loads of business cards and space to scrawl your name, just as at the original Swizzle, and there's plenty of live entertainment during the summer months to keep the swizzlers hoppin'! The only problem you'll face is deciding which Swizzle Inn to visit. Why not visit both?

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