A BUSINESSMAN who swapped Bury for the beach of the Caribbean island of St Maarten is toasting success.

The Honky-Tonk Bar, founded by owner Simon Healey, has been awarded a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor.

The beachside spot in Philipsburg has become a port of call from a growing number of cruise ships that visit the Caribbean island.

Simon, who hails from Bury, said: "There are many restaurants and bars on St Maarten, but our punchy music, atmosphere and food are what move the crowd. Lancashire people are direct and laid-back and I try to keep that atmosphere buzzing."

He added: "We have a great team that has to work very quickly with an endless smile and a human touch that customers find cool and comfortable before posting their glowing reports to TripAdvisor."