The Godfather Beach Bar Returns

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis – After 19 years as one of South Friars Bay’s most beloved beach bars, The Godfather Beach Bar is relaunching at Cockleshell Bay, bringing its signature blend of Afro-Caribbean live music, local culture, and beachfront hospitality to a new stretch of sand. The public reopening is set for Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Construction of the new location is nearing completion, with final preparations underway ahead of opening night. Updates, event schedules, and behind-the-scenes progress will be shared on The Godfather Beach Bar’s social media channels in the lead-up to October 24.

A New Beach, The Same Spirit

Cockleshell Bay offers a larger stretch of beach than South Friars, more visitor traffic, and dramatic sunset views across The Narrows toward Nevis, while The Godfather brings the same commitment to live music, ice-cold drinks, and genuine island hospitality that built its reputation over nearly two decades.

Founded in 2007, The Godfather became a fixture of the South Friars Bay experience. Known for Full Moon Beach Party, live music, steel pan, reggae, and Soca sets, ice-cold drinks under the palms, and a laid-back, authentically local atmosphere that drew residents, expats, and visitors alike. When government-led tourism development required bar operators to vacate South Friars Bay earlier this year, The Godfather began work on a new home at Cockleshell Bay, one of St. Kitts’ most visited beaches.

“We didn’t close. We relocated. Everything people loved about this place – the music, the community, the feeling of real St. Kitts beach culture – is coming with us to Cockleshell Bay. If anything, we’re building on it.”

John Francis, Owner, The Godfather Beach Bar

What’s New at Cockleshell Bay

The new location keeps The Godfather’s live music identity at the centre of the experience, with an expanded weekly programming schedule:

• Live Music (8:00 PM – 11:30 PM): Afro-Caribbean genres including steel pan, reggae, Soca, DJ sets, and live bands, with three 45-minute performance sets beginning at 8:00 PM.
• Weekly Blues Nights: Dedicated evening spotlighting blues artists alongside the regular Caribbean lineup.
• Local Artist Showcases: Regular stage time for Kittitian musicians and bands. Community drumming sessions open to guests and local musicians.
• Cultural Productions: Drum Circle, Open-Mic, Karaoke.
• The Godfather After Dark (11:00 PM – 3:00 AM): Following the live music show, the venue transforms into an authentic Caribbean outdoor night club experience with full lighting production, featuring Jon Blac DJ as resident DJ alongside top local DJs and periodic international guest DJs.
• Regional & International Guest Acts: Periodic headline performances bringing wider Caribbean and international talent to Cockleshell Bay.

Drinks & The Godfather Grill

The Godfather Beach Bar is home to the Jon Blac Rum Punch – a signature rum punch with a secret recipe and a following of its own. The Pirate Drink Menu offers a rotating selection of island cocktails, with full ingredients revealed on the chalkboard at the bar.

The Godfather Grill serves a simple, fast, and filling everyday menu: Bangers & Mash – choose your banger, choose your mash, choose your sauce – alongside jumbo burgers and hot dogs. Served beachside in a paper board with a wood fork, available during all opening hours. The kitchen closes 30 minutes before closing time. On special event nights, food vendors are on-site.

About The Godfather Beach Bar

Established in 2007 on South Friars Bay, St. Kitts, The Godfather Beach Bar built a reputation as a home for live Afro-Caribbean music and authentic beach bar culture. Following its 2026 relocation, the bar continues that legacy at its new home on Cockleshell Bay.