Soggy Dollar Bar

I'm not gonna go into details, but as of today, Mic is no longer there.

Sorry to hear that.

I am sorry to hear that Mic has left. He was up in Maine several weeks ago for a wedding and I just missed catching up with him. Does anyone know what happened and where he is going?

Oh man....... we will be there in 18 days and always look forward to being entertained by Mic.

WOW!!

this is a big deal. Soggy Dollar = Mic

98% of the character of the place just went down the crapper. Shame.

I'm really sorry to hear that as well. I met Mickey about 22 years ago when he was working at Peg Legs ... and at one time he was my next door neighbour.

In my opinion, Mickey is the most gregarious bartender in the BVI and I have no doubt that wherever he ends up, he will be just as if not even more successful. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Wow ... we were ready to see him again in 40 days !!! He will definitely be missed but knowing him he will do great wherever he goes ... He was the highlight of SDB !!!

I was afraid big changes were coming when Tina retired.

Oh man! I was looking forward to seeing him in 20 some days.

Mic will be fine I'm sure......SDB just ain't going to be the same though....

Especially with that new bar opening right next door.

What bar next door?? My last two trips we bypassed white bay due to crowds so its been like 2 years....

The people who own Top of the Baths are opening a bar next door, with plans for further development.

White Bay is changing in many ways. Pretty much a before 10 am or after 3 pm place these days. Mic could handle the crowds and keep everyone served and entertained. On days he wasn't there,you could dehydrate waiting to get served. Bad move on the part of SDB, but Mic will do well anywhere, he is a hot commodity for the right business owner.
I know several longtime regulars who stay at Sandcastle solely due to their friendship with Mic. They have grown disenchanted with the day trip crowds, but say Mic makes their time enjoyable. I expect a few will move on down to other villas down the beach.

It's been a few years for us...but am I understanding correctly that Jewel has moved over by the Bubbly Pool? does this have anything to do with the impending new bar mentioned?

Yes, Jewel is over by Foxy's Taboo now.

I understand Jewels move was motivated by family issues regarding the property. The new bar/restaurant/hotel (possibly?) is not too far from completion, right on the fence line of SDB.

In a perfect world Mic would take over "B Line" on Little Jost..

there are actually TWO bars opening on White Bay. one at both ends. The one being opened by the top of the bath people is mighty nifty looking.

Now THAT would be great.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

That would be awesome !!! So do you know if B Line is now only open on weekends ?

He would have A LOT of followers for sure! I've mentioned before....the service I received when I was at B-Line was less than satisfactory.(but from reading other comments, that seems to be the exception rather than the rule)

With the tragic passing of Chris Washburn who owned "B Line" and " Bananakeet" ( and the Heritage Villas), things have been very much up in the air with "B Line"..dont think they have been opening and no one seems to know just what the future holds..as I find out I will pass news along..

We were there the Sunday after Catfight (B-line) but the only ones...I must admit SD has lost its charm a few years back for me but no one could not notice its success. Leaving STT last week there were six different people wearing SD clothing Items from hats to t-shirts and all were spread out in different groups in the TSA security line.

How sad ... the B Line had some potential !!!

I dont think its the end of "B Line"..just an undecided future right now..I agree it would be sad to see such a great little venture fall apart..

Islegrl,

Jewel's move has nothing to do with the new bar. It has everything to do with her ex-husband. Jewel is a scrappy little thing and is a survivor. She will be fine and likely better off in her new location. She's a wonderful person and a lot of fun to be with.

Wind her up and watch her go! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes yes yes! That would be awesome! We got stung pretty good at B Line 2 weeks ago! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

We love the B-Line and Mic could make it better!, love to see that happen, keep talking it up until it sticks!! Speaking of sticky, Mic could serve honey fried mahi as the signature dish! they need a draw, so maybe a Fish Fry Day, just not on Friday because everyone is at Levericks BBQ. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Mic was banking at SD, not sure B-Line could ever generate that kind of traffic. Mic would definitely be a huge asset to any busy bar.

B-Line is not nearly as accessible -- which is kind of why I really love it! But I think Evan is right -- I think he'll land someplace with more traffic.

yes, we like Diamond Cay for the peace and quiet, B-line is a nice addition, I would not want 1/4 of that white bay traffic there! but I don't know how B-line can stay open based on the number of people we've seen there. granted we have visited in the off off season. Mic will do great wherever he lands!

We will be staying at Soggy Dollar / The Sandcastle in a few weeks...

First of all, thanks to everyone on TTOL. I'm new but have been following for a while. Your input has been amazing. Thank you!

Secondly, Mic, we wish you the best! We chose our upcoming BVI vacation in part due to your hospitality during a brief visit earlier this year. My hubby will miss your Bloody Mary! Best wishes to you and may you be blessed wherever your journey takes you!

Finally, we will report back from Soggy Dollar / Sandcastle when we return next month. We are trying to be positive and objective but a lot of changes have occurred since we booked our stay several months ago. We plan to still have fun. We know we will!

That said, we received an email from "management" last month that turned us off a bit. We booked our stay in the spring and recently received the "New Policy" email. It basically said no outside alcohol is allowed in the rooms if staying at Sandcastle. I get that but then I don't. I get that they don't want day-trippers bringing coolers onto the beach and hoarding chairs without contributing to sales.

On the flipside, we are paying a premium to stay onsite. We plan on enjoying a painkiller or two (or more! LOL!) daily AND we'll be eating there too. But we also might want a nightcap when the bar has closed. The email we received seemed kind of threatening. Why can't I keep a bottle of wine in my room or a few beers chilling? I've stayed at much more expensive properties that don't have this policy...

Undoubtedly the new policy was meant to help the staff but I can't imagine people staying on site being the "problem".

Again, We will report back. We are staying upbeat and positive but I couldn't help but share our recent experience with SDB/Sandcastle correspondence.

Happy thoughts!

Welcome aboard, AquaMusic

Very interested in your visit to Sandcastle
We are looking into a stay there in April.


Mike

We received the same email. Had the same reaction to it. Concerned that this trip might not be as enjoyable as the past 10+. We shall see. Trying to stay upbeat, but not happy that Mic will not be there. Wheels up in 28 days!

I look forward to hearing what both of you (bcrabill and AquaMusic) have to say about your stay on Jost.

Such a policy as that would make me not ever book that hotel again.

Totally agree....and after staying at White Bay Villas recently and enjoying the amazing views and walk to White Bay as well as the freedom of having our own provisioning and kitchen? I wouldn't stay anywhere else....for around the same price......

I don't see how they can enforce that policy.

So, for the record, here is what is on the new reservation confirmation:

Please be advised that:
• Effective October 15, 2015 NO alcoholic beverages purchased off property will be permitted in the guest rooms/cottages. If you’re interested in purchasing beer/liquor from Sandcastle Hotel to be kept in your room please contact us prior to your arrival.

• We will no longer be serving dinner on Friday nights. The island has many wonderful restaurants take this opportunity to visit them.

• Your reservation will be honored as stated on this confirmation. Making changes to your reservation without previous notification may result in the cancellation of your reservation or loss of the deposit.

• We have a 90 day cancellation policy, which means that to refund the deposit you must cancel at least 90 days prior to your arrival date noted above

• All rooms/cottages are double occupancy only and a minimum age of 16 years is required.

• If you have a friend or family member staying at another villa/hotel and traveling with children, please keep in mind we welcome children 12yrs of age and older in the dining room for breakfast and dinner.

• Gratuity is NOT included in the quoted rates. You’ll have the opportunity to show your appreciation for our staff at check out.

Think it will be an interesting season. Wondering if the new manager plans to spend the day chasing day trippers who bring their own booze off the chairs.

From some back channel chatter I have been privy to, I would not be the least bit surprised to see the entire staff walk out on a very busy day in high season.

Looks like Jerry and Tish need to rethink their new manager very quickly.

That said, I am still left wondering what pushed him over the edge. Mic really made the stay!

Tell me we can't bring our own alcohol into our ROOM?? I don't think so! Frankly,if I received an e-mail like that I believe I'd be looking at other options prior to the ridiculous 90 day cancellation policy. All this smacks of crappy management which could make a stay there very unpleasant. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" />

The new manager took away all of the barstools because she thought that people sitting at the bar interfered with the drink line.
This is a textbook example of trying to fix something that wasn't broken.

I am confused as to whether they would be trying to enforce the new liquor policy, AND the cancellation policy, when they changed the rules? Regardless, it doesn't seem like a smart set of moves here.

Makes sense. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/smashpc.gif" alt="" />

How do they actually stop you from bringing in your own bottle? Doubt they will even try. That would be the opposite of every BVI experience I've had when it comes to drinking.

Do they clean the rooms?? If so, I guess they could seize any non approved alcohol..

They do clean the rooms once a day. We have always taken in a couple bottles of rum or something into our room there. But I'd be more than a little ticked off if they confiscated anything that belonged to me, particularly if it meant they were going through my stuff!

Interesting indeed. Having spent time on both sides of the bar (tender and drinker) as well as a server in a couple of very hopping places, I have seen a bartender make or break the booze side of the business.

The no booze in the room is interesting as well. I shouldn't be wearing my American-thinking hat but I wonder is that even legal to restrict what someone does in the room? (not that privacy/rights of use laws would matter a lot on Jost, just saying....)

I have heard of some resorts prohibiting outside liquor in their rooms and the ones I am familiar with, are in the US.

maybe they will hire security like the cruise ships and check your bags when checking in. This rule would be a deal breaker for us. They are shooting themselves in the foot

Yep .. if they change the rules after previously confirming the reservation, that would be grounds to terminate the contract after the 90 day period.

Sounds like their new manager is moving in the wrong direction especially with the new place going in next door. Will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

I would be disputing the charge with my credit card company.

The great thing about the BVI is it's lack of rules. I agree with sail2wind. They are shooting themselves in the foot. Mind you I stopped going to the Soggy Dollar when they reduced their painkiller cup size. Another greedy and stupid mistake.

These new rules would be a deal breaker for me..take Mic out of the equation too and I walk away..plenty of other places with smiling, greeting staff to spend my $$..

When did Mic start working at SDB?

Sometime around 2002 or so. KC Chinnery was the bartender before Mic. When he left, there was a similar feeling among our group as we really enjoyed spending our days with him. But things were much less busy at SDB then when compared to what it's like today.

Watch out for another new addition to the hotel bill there...there is now a $10 per day housekeeping charge when you checkout. I always left something in the room for the ladies that take care of us, but now management has made that mandatory.

KC now runs the ferry from Tortola to JVD..Mic was previously at "Peg Leg's" in Nanny Cay..

Wow, mandatory tipping!!! That kind of crap turns my stomach. Just charge more and give it to the staff...

Times sure do change. I would not stay there with those policies, pretty soon they'll have mandatory food and drink minimums like a country club.

What a way to f&%k up really nice place..shame on them..

Seriously?? is this a beach hotel or a cruise ship?? What's next? Security scanners?? Fear not! Those of who cruise can teach you a way around it <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

That said...just reading those policies would make me high-tail it to White Bay Villas ASAP....

I wonder how much of the housekeepers tip will be skimmed by the management? Oh, did I say that?

They were already doing it at the bar. Why stop there. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/hammer.gif" alt="" />

I'm sure it is justified to cover the new minimum wage (and NHI)being kicked around in the BVI. I'm sure all these folks are just rolling in the dough with all the raises they get.

Thanks everyone for affirming that I wasn't off my rocker about feeling a wee bit miffed about the new policies that were emailed! Being sent a list of new rules before arrival was unexpected.

We're staying put with our reservation and will hope for the best. (Besides, almost everything else on the island booked! Haha!) I know we'll still have an amazing time. We will definitely miss getting to know Mic better but I'm sure we'll get along just fine with the rest of the Soggy crew. We plan on exploring the island too. Another reason why we chose Jost was to experience places we missed during our brief visit in March like The Bubbly Pool, Corsairs, Foxy's, Ivan's, One Love, etc...

I will happily report back on the forum when we return in a few weeks.

15 days until "wheels up" as you say here on TTOL!

Are they really in search of the odd bottle in a room maybe in a bag? Or trying to avoid the massive open bar parties some can host 24/7 for days disrupting everyone else?

massive open bar parties, 24/7 What the hell are you talking about?

Aquamusic,

If you enjoy mixed drinks, just buy some coke, drink half, fill the rest of the bottle with your favourite rum and nobody is the wiser. You could also use these clever little things if you are beer drinkers.

This sort of thing will do irreparable harm to their business. Losing Mickey sure doesn't help, but dictating what people can and can't bring into their own room (provided it is legal) is pushing things to the limit.

I wonder if the camp counselors will have little red whistles hung on nifty hand made gimp lanyards around their necks. Anyone caught sneaking any booze into the bunkhouse will get three demerit points and a phone call to your parents.

Jeesh! Big mistake.

Liane--great post!!!

This

I'm curious to know why Mic has left? Personally I would FLIP OUT if my belongings were searched in my room to be sure I did not have any contraband, i.e., "outside" alcohol!! I wonder if Mic realized that it was better to leave before all of these new rules ruined the place! "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is so true!

If anyone knows where Mic is going to land, please let me know as that place will move to the top of my bar list. The SDB was ok but the people made it great.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" />

Yes....those are so common at Sandcastle.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I have heard both sides of this story.

Mic will be fine.

SDB will be fine.

This will all be forgotten in a few short months.

I have no idea why Mic left Soggy Dollar Bar. But if it was a 'cost cutting' maneuver, they just shot themselves in the foot. That guy can whip out more painkillers per hour than anyone. Whoever comes in next will make that 'drink line' a long wait

I just cannot imagine how someone can make a policy of no alcohol in a hotel room. How in the world is someone supposed to enjoy a night cap, glass of wine, celebratory champagne, whatever, in the privacy of their room???

Is there any other tropical vacation hotel that has that policy?

POSSIBLY with regard to Mic, the SDB will be fine. With regard to Sandcastle, this BS about no alcohol in the room and the mandatory tips for maids, that is a whole different story. If they continue those policies, it will probably be really easy to get a reservation at Sandcastle in the future.

Hmmm.......the base problem to my way of thinking is the "cargo cult" mentality that sees many people believe that any bar will make money even with crap service, crap management, crap facilities and expensive food and drink viz a viz cost of facilities, booze and labor.

It goes without the need for too much emphasis that Mikey is a great character and gave wonderful service to customers from far and wide and was very slick serving the drinks. These qualities are rare in the BVI. He will be missed make no mistake.

The owners Jerry & Tish really are not bar people well not Soggy Dollar Bar type bar people anyway. They would IMO be better suited to running an antique store in Maine.

The bathrooms are awful and the new management husband and wife team seem to think that they are running a place where you bring your kids.....wrong! Soggy is an adult bar with plenty of drinking and dare I say it raunchy behaviour by grown ups from time to time because of the sun, sand, liquor and more! They do after all advertise the place with stickers that you can buy in the shop that say "3.2 Painkillers to nude".

I see reference to B Line.....yep its a great little spot with a nice bit of sand but very basic facilities where again its obvious that the owners/managers think that if you build it people will come.......they won't come if the vibe is wrong, the service awry and the facilities not kept up. A rough shack, some corn hole boards, stinky basic bathrooms, some loud music and booze from a rough bar.........well maybe it passes the quaint test for some but not near to enough of those that visit the east end of Jost.

Its a curious thing the competition for the day boat, charter yacht and small cruise ship bar & restaurant trade on Jost van Dyke amongst the resident entrepreneurial types......I won't say more than WTF

There have been more staff than Mikey who have been dismissed, left or whatever.

Sure hope there is a think about how people deal with this as for many who work in the service side of these establishments its their daily bread particularly the lady employees.

Soggy Dollar Bar will do fine without Mic because their business model is now built on day trippers from the USVI and cruise ships not charter boats. For the most part these are not repeat customers. They just want to buy a T shirt and say they have been there.

NC Sailor .....the new bar right next door will take trade away from SDB it will do that because the day trippers will soon learn from their charter boat skippers that "next door is good" and I'd reckon we will find a few familiar faces amongst the staff

Totally agree....one of the biggest reasons it will not be a stop for us in May when we're on the boat.

Well look what happened to Pirates on Norman Island. They went from cheap beach bar with good reasonable food to a semi-swank bar with 9.00 well drinks and very overpriced menu. And they are still in business.

And now pirates is changing the temporary restaurant into a high end restaurant.

Keep in mind that DR. Jerecki's plan all along has been to turn Norman into a high end ecco-resort.

"The times, they are a channnnnnnng-innnnn..."

Does anybody have any pictures of this new bar next to SDB or where it's going?

I don't have pics but it is literally right next to it - if you are standing on the beach, facing SDB, it is to the right and set slightly back. We could watch the workers from the parking lot at SDB.

Here's a blog post I found that has a couple of recent pictures:

http://www.rumtherapy.com/2015/11/new-bar-on-the-block-white-bay-jvd/

We were there in March and noticed construction. Looks like it's come a long way since then. I wonder when it's due to open?

I was told that the place next door will also have a pool ...

Thanks all. It's hard to even picture a building there. It's been a while since we've been there and the last trip was full of the blasting country music that I can't stand. It's starting to sound like my beloved JVD is turning into something less appealing.

I'm sure I'll be back at least once more, though.

Things have a way of changing over time. Imagine if there was good inter island ferry service?

Post deleted by HillsideView

Just at soggy dollar this afternoon. Not the same vibe s when Mic was there. There's a new lunch ticket system where you fill out what you want, take it to the bar and wait over 1 1/2 hrs for lunch. Shaneek was pouring drinks - she seemed very sweet. Claire on the other hand should stop screaming "who's next" in very impatient tone. Construction going intone right (as you're facing soggy dollar)

We are heading down 11/27. Looks like we will be spending our money at Ivan's or One Love.

NCSailor, look for us! Dharma will be arriving Thursday morning, I'll get to STT Monday 11/23 & we're down until 12/3.

Kristine,
Will do! We'll be on a Moorings 3900.

There is a good inter-island ferry system, PA-Ron Rowe, but you've chosen to give the spotlight to the 1 (sometimes 2) that can't run a regular schedule.

Funny that you mention inter-island because the most reliable is called Inter-Island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

I'll keep a lookout for you... we're easy to spot- black boat, black rig, sail number 60056.

Oh sure....that's the only thing that makes her noticeable...<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />....just look for the most beautiful 56 footer in the anchorage and that will be her....oh....with the hot blonde on deck <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

That is an awesome photo StormJib. Thanks for sharing.

Since this thread is now at 105 responses and has kind of gone all over the place, will close it now. If anyone wants to start a new thread about Soggy Dollar--or any of the ten other things we seem to be talking about--please start a new thread. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />