Pelican Craft Center
Pelican Craft Center
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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3.0
120 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
20
Average
44
Poor
26
Terrible
13
alseward53
Axminster, UK369 contributions
Dec 2019
As we were in Bridgetown for a couple of days this is a nice little pass time within easy walking distance from the cruise terminal. It’s spread ou but restricted choices. A good place to get a cool drink ( or two ) and use the WiFi
Written 11 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Complex is closed at this time, the wifi would be available but no shops nor restaurants are open
Written 12 April 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John P
Northampton, UK74 contributions
located near the cruise ship terminal, and full of craft shops for the more unusual gifts as opposed to the normal tourist gifts you normally see that no one really wants, there is also a good place to stop and eat and as the other reviewer mentioned very quiet here, as a lot of people go into town to spend their money on duty free, if this is your plan, remember to take your passport otherwise you will have to pay the higher price
Written 9 March 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed G
Davenport, FL269 contributions
Nov 2015
It is sad to say that Pelican Craft Center is no longer a site to see. The small shops are still there but they are mostly empty buildings. It was quite a disappointment going there and finding out that our visit would be short lived. Not a place I would want to return again.
Written 13 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
London_Toffeeman
London, UK95 contributions
This is a good place to buy gifts for friends back home. There were hardly any people there. Although, I am guessing it gets busy when a cruise ship docks, being near the harbour. The small craft shops hold something for everybody, and a well worth 30 mins - 1 hour of your time.
Written 30 December 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FancyNancy
Washington DC, DC196 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
Roslyn Watson is my new favorite shopkeeper and artist in Bridgetown, Barbados! Her shop has everything you need for your trip as well as treasures to take home. She offers bajan music CDs, hats, t-shirts, local art, photos, jewelry, wind chimes, fans, placemats, local candies and much more!
Written 22 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael B
Coventry, UK463 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Ok this is a biased review. We wanted to buy a proper wooden mancala / warri game board and had tried numerous gift shops in Holetown and Bridgetown. I couldn't get over how helpful people were. A couple of small shops directed us to Cave Shepherd the department store and then when we tried there, the members of staff couldn't be more helpful, ringing round other shops and even offering to look on line for us. Then one of them suggested the Pelican Craft Village. I had been reluctant to go after reading some of the TA reviews but it's only about a 10 minute walk from Broad Street and is right next to the bus station, so off we went. We popped into The Monkey Pot, which is a fabulous Aladdin's Cave of treasures and, I assume it was Judy, suggested we pop round to see Frank the Woodworker as he made things to order - slightly difficult as we only had 2 more days in Barbados. Anyway off we trooped to the workshops at the back of the centre, located Frank, and were delighted to find that he had a number of boards all ready to go. Needless to say, we bought one. Mission accomplished. It's true that not many of the shops or workshops were open but the ones that were sold unique and high quality locally made craft ware. This definitely is a place which deserves to succeed so if you get a chance, walk the 10 minutes out of the centre, and be sure to call into Frank "The Woodworker" Harwood's workshop. Not cheap but fabulous quality heritage items. The website I have given is for Frank Harwood.
Written 12 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris,Jake’n’Sam
Edinburgh, UK57 contributions
June 2017 • Family
We visited the Pelican Craft Centre expecting lots of local artisan/craft shops but were very disappointed. Several shops were closed, one told us to come back later as they were not open yet (11.30am) and there wasn't even anywhere to get the kids something to eat.
While we were there in low season it was very disappointing.
While we were there in low season it was very disappointing.
Written 6 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geobiscuits
Albany, NY163 contributions
June 2014 • Couples
This is our second trip to Pelican Craft Center....and I still can't figure out why they aren't a 5 star-rated destination. This is the location to go to for local, hand-crafted goods- often, we were buying right from the person who crafted the item! Forget Cave Shepard....go here for the real gifts that will please your friends/family back at home!
They have art for the novice or serious collector, beautiful local jewelery, hand made "Hawaiian shirts", steel drums, etc. We walked from Bridgetown to get here but you can hop on a local bus or taxi too. It is well worth the trip (probably 30+ little shops set up in an outdoor mall setting). There is also a small bar and a cafe to eat at and it is directly across from the ocean and a few minute walk from the Cruiseport. Bathrooms available also.
They have art for the novice or serious collector, beautiful local jewelery, hand made "Hawaiian shirts", steel drums, etc. We walked from Bridgetown to get here but you can hop on a local bus or taxi too. It is well worth the trip (probably 30+ little shops set up in an outdoor mall setting). There is also a small bar and a cafe to eat at and it is directly across from the ocean and a few minute walk from the Cruiseport. Bathrooms available also.
Written 16 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ixia416
Toronto, Canada349 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
As a traveller, the idea of a one-stop place where I can go to buy locally-produced products is very appealing. This seems to be the idea behind the Pelican Craft Centre in Bridgetown, but unfortunately that idea is not fully realised.
The artisans who have their shops and studios there do have some lovely products for sale. I didn't find the prices to be high due to the proximity to the cruise ships - actually, I went on a day where it was overcast and ships were in harbour (seemingly an ideal day for people to be at the Craft Centre), and yet it was like a ghost town. They had almost no cruise ship business, and I think if they were price gouging there would be even less people around.
The main problem is the one that others have noted in their reviews: the shops are half empty. When you're walking around, it's hard to even tell which ones actually open. The layout of the place is also not conducive to shopping, as you don't know where to go to find shops and the buildings seem to have been erected in a haphazard way, with no thought to traffic flow. Some buildings are older. Some are newer. It's easy to be dismissive of the older ones as they are in need of an update, yet they do have shops in them as well.
The ultimate question is: should you go there? I think if you have some extra time, you like supporting local businesses, you're already in and around Bridgetown, and you go in with lowered expectations, then it's worth it. But I hope the owner of the property reads this TripAdvisor page and takes the reviews to heart: attract more businesses, improve the layout and the condition of the older buildings, and promote it as a destination and it could be a really worthwhile place for visitors.
The artisans who have their shops and studios there do have some lovely products for sale. I didn't find the prices to be high due to the proximity to the cruise ships - actually, I went on a day where it was overcast and ships were in harbour (seemingly an ideal day for people to be at the Craft Centre), and yet it was like a ghost town. They had almost no cruise ship business, and I think if they were price gouging there would be even less people around.
The main problem is the one that others have noted in their reviews: the shops are half empty. When you're walking around, it's hard to even tell which ones actually open. The layout of the place is also not conducive to shopping, as you don't know where to go to find shops and the buildings seem to have been erected in a haphazard way, with no thought to traffic flow. Some buildings are older. Some are newer. It's easy to be dismissive of the older ones as they are in need of an update, yet they do have shops in them as well.
The ultimate question is: should you go there? I think if you have some extra time, you like supporting local businesses, you're already in and around Bridgetown, and you go in with lowered expectations, then it's worth it. But I hope the owner of the property reads this TripAdvisor page and takes the reviews to heart: attract more businesses, improve the layout and the condition of the older buildings, and promote it as a destination and it could be a really worthwhile place for visitors.
Written 15 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet0307
Wales uk4 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
It is a shame to see such a well organised mall type establishment struggling to survive . Lots of basic craft shops with a lot of cheap holiday gifts. Many units shut and spookily no people visiting the day we visited. There was A pottery which was shut and a crystal jewellry craftsman making some nice items.
However we came across a 5 star, top notch glass arts manufacturer-coloured fired glass plates ,bowls even sinks. Absolutely beautiful colours and has offered to make a custom piece for us during our next visit to barbados. We purchased 8 pieces of display / dinner ware. Very pleased with skilled craftsmanship , the firing of the colours and indeed the value for money.
However we came across a 5 star, top notch glass arts manufacturer-coloured fired glass plates ,bowls even sinks. Absolutely beautiful colours and has offered to make a custom piece for us during our next visit to barbados. We purchased 8 pieces of display / dinner ware. Very pleased with skilled craftsmanship , the firing of the colours and indeed the value for money.
Written 20 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry can't help I have been twice in 2015 and most of the shops were open,but I cannot remember the times
Written 22 March 2016
John W
Bridgetown, Barbados
Dear Hanger24,
It was always thought that visitors look to buy "local Arts and Crafts" as well as souvenirs. It would be good guidance if you would say what items you were looking for.
Also , could you tell what time you visited as there is seating and drinks available both alcohol and non-alcoholic.
I look forward to your response since it would help us to do better.
Regards
john
Written 8 January 2016
shops are usually open between 10am -4pm there although few were closed at 12 Noon we went. There is a cafe we don't go in. you wont miss anything if you can't go there.
Written 31 March 2017
John W
Bridgetown, Barbados
Hello Every One,
There is much potential in Pelican Crafts Centre. If you were a visitor, tell us your frank opinions on Pelican as it is and your suggestions for improvements
Written 26 December 2015
Advertise it better
Tidy it up
Make the shops look as if they are open
It is odd that all the Americans on the ships walk right on by, why
Written 17 February 2017
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