There is a vast variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and taverns to suit all pockets. Service will vary, although generally table service can be expected. Hotel cooking is usually international with some Bermudan specialities. 

National specialities:
• Bermuda lobster (in season from September to mid April).
• Hoppin' John (black-eyed peas and rice).
• Fish chowder infused with sherry, peppers and rum.
• Seafood, including rockfish, red snapper, guinea chick (shiny lobster) and yellowtail.
• Traditional Sunday breakfast is codfish and potatoes, which are served with red sauce, avocado and banana.
• Desserts include sweet potato pudding, bay grape jelly and loquat jam.

National drinks:
• National drinks and cocktails have Golsing's Bermuda Black Seal rum as a base, and have colourful names such as Dark and Stormy (traditional local drink) and the famous Rum Swizzle.
• British, European and US beer is available.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: When not included in the bill, 15% is generally acceptable for most services. Hotels and guest houses add a set amount per person in lieu of tips to the bill.

Most hotels offer a variety of entertainment. Dance shows, musical and theatrical performances, cinemas, barbecues and nightclubs are all available. There are also island cruises for entertainment - even the locals attend. African influences can be found in the local dance and music, especially reggae, calypso and the rhythm of the Gombeys' kettledrums. All the latest listings can be found in Preview Bermuda and This Week in Bermuda.

Unique local-made items, known as Bermudiana, include handcrafted gold trinkets, cedarwood gifts, perfume inspired by the island's flowers, traditional costumed dolls, rum and artwork. Not forgetting, of course, the famous Bermuda shorts. Antique shops may have the odd good bargain and shops in the countryside offer many souvenirs. Other good buys are imported merchandise. There is no sales tax or VAT.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1730, with some open later and on Sundays.