FRYING HIGH IN BARBADOS

It’s another sizzling, sultry Friday night in Barbados and Oistins Fish Fry is packed to the grills. As I make my way back to my group’s table, mouth-watering plumes of sweet-smelling grill smoke envelope the other busy stalls.

My stomach is doing joyful cartwheels as I clock the mounds of fresh grilled fish, accompanied by hearty dollops of macaroni cheese and coleslaw, which I wash down with a chilled Banks beer.

As the evening wears on, the place starts to heave, the swelling crowds – locals and tourists alike – look set for a fun-filled Friday night. Meanwhile, in the central clearing, a moonwalking Michael Jackson impersonator is running through his moves.

Only when we dispense with our overflowing trays of delicious comfort food do we turn our full attention to the entertainment, as a live band takes over.

Later, we move on to St Lawrence Gap, keeping an eye out for local celebs. We are told Rihanna has been spotted here in the past – but she’s not here tonight.