PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honky-Tonk Bar with its lunch time kitchen has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Adviser. This beachside spot on the Broadwalk continues to draw crowds from the growing number of cruise ships that visit the Friendly Island.
Founded by co-owners Simon Healey and Pierre Hitie eight years ago, the establishment attracts a wide range of clientele that seek a different kind of beach experience. “There are many restaurants and bars on Philipsburg’s golden mile, but our punchy music, laid-back atmosphere and food are what move the crowd,” says Healey.
Healey believes that his “place is a space to relax from the structured facilities on board cruise ships. We walk our path and we are delighted that our customers want to tell everybody else about who we are and how we are.”
In addition to the regular popular punch drinks available at Honky Tonk is a rather unusual ‘shot’ inspired by Healey and bar tender Francis Prescott. Called ‘house on fire’, the ingredients of the shot are absolutely secret but set alight in the glass for a second - after which they create a vacuum that makes the glass stick to the bar tender’s hand.
Healey who comes from Manchester originally says that his bar has been successful: “because he has a great team that has to work very quickly with an endless smile and a human touch that customers find cool and comfortable before posting their glowing reports to Trip Advisor.”
