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28 May 2026

From Rum Distillery to Fine Dining: The Story Behind Restaurant 1748

If you crave cuisine with a true sense of place, Restaurant 1748 delivers. Housed inside an 18th-century rum distillery on the beachfront at Long Bay Beach Resort in Tortola, Restaurant 1748 pairs island-to-table freshness with old-world charm—so you can dine with your feet in the sand while savoring modern, Caribbean-inspired flavors.

In this guide, you’ll discover how a historic distillery became Restaurant 1748, how the resort’s culinary garden powers its menus, what to expect when you dine, and practical tips to make your experience unforgettable.

A Storied Past, Steps from the Sea

Restaurant 1748 occupies an authentic 18th-century rum distillery, its natural stone, coral, and limestone walls infusing every meal with a sense of history. The beachfront setting at Long Bay Beach Resort frames the experience with turquoise water, powdery white sand, and a gentle ocean breeze. It’s a setting where heritage and horizon meet—inviting you to slow down and linger over every bite.

Reborn in 2020: A Dining Experience with Soul

In the spring of 2020, Restaurant 1748 opened at Long Bay using the backbone and infrastructure of the on-site 18th-century rum distillery. Led by Brian Strange, and supported by a talented culinary team, the restaurant quickly stood out locally and abroad for offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the British Virgin Islands.

From the beginning, the vision was clear: keep the spirit of the distillery alive while creating a laidback yet sophisticated place to gather by the sea.

Island-to-Table: The Culinary Garden Behind the Menu

At Restaurant 1748, freshness isn’t a buzzword—it’s the backbone of the kitchen. Meals are crafted with ingredients sourced from local fishermen, island farms, and the resort’s own herb and vegetable garden just steps from the kitchen.

This tight-knit rhythm between garden and kitchen results in brighter flavors, minimal waste, and an authentic island-to-table experience. By cultivating produce on site, the team reduces unnecessary packaging and plastics and supports a self-sustaining approach that keeps the BVI’s character front and center.

What to Expect When You Dine at Restaurant 1748

Restaurant 1748 offers an unfussy yet sophisticated dining experience that draws inspiration from Caribbean cuisine and celebrates what’s fresh and in season.

Expect organic produce, clean flavors, and dishes that let the ingredients speak for themselves—all in a setting that feels both timeless and fresh.

Heritage, Sustainability, and a Sense of Place

The transformation from rum distillery to fine dining is more than aesthetic—it reflects a broader commitment to sustainability across the resort:

By honoring history and prioritizing stewardship, Restaurant 1748 offers cuisine that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.

Beyond the Table: The 1748 Culinary Collection

The spirit of 1748 extends across the resort’s other dining experiences—each with its own personality and sense of place.

Together, these venues create a full spectrum of dining moments—from refined meals to easygoing beachside sips.

Frequently Asked Questions about Restaurant 1748

What is Restaurant 1748?

Restaurant 1748 is a beachfront fine dining restaurant set inside an 18th-century rum distillery at Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola, offering Caribbean-inspired, island-to-table cuisine.

Where is Restaurant 1748 located?

Inside the historic rum distillery building on the beachfront at Long Bay Beach Resort, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

What are the hours at Restaurant 1748?

What kind of food does Restaurant 1748 serve?

Fresh, healthy dishes inspired by Caribbean cuisine, featuring ingredients from local fishermen, island farms, and the resort’s own herb and vegetable garden.

Can I dine with my feet in the sand?

Yes. Restaurant 1748 offers a relaxed beachfront setting with tables on the sand.

Yes. You can enjoy the 1748 Sushi Bar, Johnny’s Beach Bar, the 1748 Coffee Shop, and a pool swim-up bar for drinks and light bites.

Is in-room dining available?

Yes. You can order food to your private deck during restaurant hours.

Practical Tips for the Best 1748 Experience

Make the most of your visit with these simple, high-impact tips:

  1. Time it right

    • Enjoy breakfast with ocean breezes (8am–10am), a long, sunlit lunch (12pm–3pm), or a golden-hour dinner (6pm–9pm).
    • Don’t miss Sunday Brunch (10am–2pm) for a leisurely beachfront treat.

  2. Ask for garden-forward specials

    • Chef Ronen and the team plan menus weekly with Tambo and Nichol based on what’s best in the garden—ask what’s just been harvested.

  3. Make it an evening to remember

    • Start with a cocktail at Johnny’s Beach Bar and end with a nightcap in the upstairs lounge.
    • Pair your culinary plans with a Private Beachside Massage experience for a romantic twist. The 60 min Sunset Serenity includes a couples’ massage with a chilled bottle of champagne and canapés. The 60 min Island Romance Retreat pairs a couples’ massage with a romantic three-course beachfront dinner at Restaurant 1748. (All experiences are subject to 10% GST and 10% service charge.)

  4. Explore the full 1748 spectrum

    • For a different take on refinement, try the 1748 Sushi Bar—guided by Sous Chef Sherman—with cocktails curated by Head Mixologist Ashish.

  5. Planning a celebration?

    • Hosting a wedding or intimate reception at Long Bay Beach Resort? The culinary team offers customized catering options to delight your guests.

Why the Distillery Setting Matters

Transforming an 18th-century rum distillery into Restaurant 1748 does more than create a beautiful backdrop. It anchors every meal in local heritage, connects guests to the island’s culinary rhythms, and supports sustainability through garden-driven sourcing. The result is dining that feels genuinely Caribbean—rooted in place, rich with history, and deliciously fresh.

Conclusion: Savor History, Freshness, and the Sea at Restaurant 1748

Restaurant 1748 is where historic architecture, island-to-table cooking, and beachfront serenity come together. Whether you’re here for breakfast by the waves, a leisurely lunch, sunset cocktails, or an elegant dinner, you’ll taste the BVI’s heritage in every bite.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your island escape at Long Bay Beach Resort, plan a meal at Restaurant 1748, and explore the 1748 Sushi Bar, Johnny’s Beach Bar, and the 1748 Coffee Shop while you’re here.

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