Pumphouse - The People's Place
www.news.ai   Site Map   Click to enlarge pictures

" Jah lives!", the crowd chants repeatedly after the Reggae Groovers end their rendition of Tony Rebel�s mega hit If Jah. This is the usual scene at The Pumphouse on a Saturday night where patrons are entertained by the local group Reggae Groovers.

Nestled between the Salt Pond and the Sandy Ground beach is the ever popular Pumphouse, where lots of people gather almost nightly to relax , dine, sip on cocktails, and be entertained by Anguilla�s local live bands.

The Pumphouse is owned and operated by Laurie and Gabi Gumbs. It opened its doors to the public on 4^th August, 1995. The site is rich in history in that it was home to the Anguilla Road Salt Company Factory which in its time was the main export of Anguilla.

Laurie Gumbs, the owner has managed to restore some of the equipment which was used in the salt production process and has them displayed at his bar, his intention being to create a �Mini Salt Industry Museum�. During the tourist season, the archaeological society arranges tours of the site.

The Pumphouse has 7 staff members, his wife and himself included. The entire staff is kept very busy catering to their patrons� needs. The Pumphouse boasts an extremely impressive well-stocked bar. You can get the drink of your choice all at very reasonable prices. There is also the �Pumphouse Rum Punch�, which is the house drink , and very tasty, the ingredients of which only the staff members are privileged to know.

The menu may be informally chalked on the wall, the food is absolutely delicious. Read this earlier news report on their food.

During the tourist season, there is nightly entertainment five nights a week. On Tuesday nights the house dee-jay offers �Pumphouse rock� which includes alternative music and rock ballads from the most famous rock bands. Wednesday nights are for the reggae lovers. Hotshot and his band Hod Nox plays their reggae favorites much to the delight and enjoyment of the patrons. For all those who enjoy Spanish music, Thursday nights are the �Meringue Magic� nights. One can dance the night away to the melodious music of Keith and Raphael. Friday nights again there is the Pumphouse rock by the house dee-jay and it all ends on Saturday night with the �Reggae Groovers� belting out reggae hits which usually has the crowd on its feet begging for more.

At present, during the off-peak season, there is entertainment three nights a week, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The Pumphouse is opened nightly from 7:00pm to 2:00am and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Guest article and photos by Monique Ragbir

Beaches  Menus Hotels Villas Tips Index/ Links

Email www.news.ai bob mary ann griff © 1998