Shirley Heights Barbecue English Harbour Antigua

Shirley Heights, dominant on the ridgeline behind Freeman Bay anchorage 

Shirley Heights is well-known in sailing circles for its Sunday night ‘jump-ups’ with steel bands playing reggae and soca but we didn’t plan to be in English Harbour for another 3 days. Instead, going to the slightly lower-key Thursday barbecue (also with steel band and reggae) seemed a good way to combine a Caribbean party with good food and a great sunset view.

We arrived a little after the steel band had started and so benefited from their rousing music as we strode back up the Tot Club’s path to the high ground.

‘Must do’ Shirley Heights sunset photo

The band was excellent; the perfect accompaniment to the Antiguan sunset view.

Once the sun had set it was time for the chilled reggae band to start up and for us to appreciate the night time view of the English and Falmouth Harbours, accompanied by a barbecue [Ed: perhaps not quite as good as a BV barbecue but much less effort in terms of prep and clearing up!]. And so, after a tasty meal, some good rum punches and plenty of toe-tapping, we headed back downhill, headtorches at the ready, with the last of the reggae band’s set accompanying our meanderings through the tropical night.

English Harbour Antigua