Catherine's Bar in Death in Paradise: The Real Story

 

Catherine’s Bar in Death in Paradise—is it real? Fans have been asking this for years, and the answer is yes, but it’s not quite what you might think. Elizabeth Bourgine, the 67-year-old French actress who’s played Catherine Bordey since the BBC show started in 2011, confirmed in a February 2025 Yahoo article that the bar is a real place. It’s not just a set thrown together for the cameras—it’s a functioning spot you could visit. But there’s a lot to unpack about what “real” means here, why it matters, and how it fits into the show. Let’s dive into the details, from what the bar is, how it’s used, to what you need to know if you want to check it out yourself.

What Is Catherine’s Bar?

In Death in Paradise, Catherine’s Bar is the heart of the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. It’s where the detectives—whether it’s DI Richard Poole, DI Humphrey Goodman, or DI Neville Parker—hang out with locals, sip beers, and sometimes piece together clues to solve the show’s weekly murders. The bar’s got this warm, open-air vibe: wooden tables, a breezy patio, and the sound of the ocean nearby. It’s the kind of place that feels like the center of the community, where everyone knows each other’s business.

But here’s the kicker: Catherine’s Bar isn’t called that in real life. It’s actually Le Madras, a restaurant and bar in Deshaies, Guadeloupe, where the show is filmed. Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean island, stands in for the made-up Saint Marie. Le Madras is a real business that the Death in Paradise crew transforms into Catherine’s Bar, Robin Hood-style, for the show. When they’re not filming, it’s open to the public, serving food and drinks to locals and tourists.

Why Does It Matter?

Why does it matter that Catherine’s Bar is real? For one, Death in Paradise has a huge fanbase—millions watch it in the UK, France, and beyond. The show’s tropical setting is a big draw, and Catherine’s Bar is a key part of that. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s where the characters connect, where the island’s community comes to life. Knowing it’s a real place makes the show feel more grounded. Fans love the idea that they could visit the same spot where their favorite detectives hang out. It turns Saint Marie from a fantasy into something you can almost touch.

Plus, using a real location like Le Madras gives the show authenticity. The bar’s weathered wood, the salty air, the view of the Caribbean Sea—it’s stuff you can’t fake in a studio. It makes the show’s cozy, escapist vibe work. Fans feel like they’re part of something real, even if Saint Marie itself is fictional.

How Does It Work?

The Death in Paradise team films in Guadeloupe for about five months a year, usually from  April to August. During that time, they rent out Le Madras and dress it up to look like Catherine’s Bar. They add props, tweak the decor, and put up a “Catherine’s Bar” sign to match the show’s aesthetic. When filming wraps, Le Madras goes back to being a regular bar and restaurant. It serves Creole and French dishes—think grilled lobster, plantain fries, and tropical cocktails. It’s open to anyone who walks in, and it’s become a bit of a hotspot for fans.

If you’re planning to visit, here’s the deal. Deshaies is a small town on the northwest coast of Basse-Terre, one of Guadeloupe’s main islands. Le Madras is right by the water, easy to spot if you’re in the area. It’s not a secret—the show’s popularity has made it a draw for tourists. You can sit on the patio, order a meal, and soak in the Death in Paradise atmosphere. Just don’t expect Elizabeth Bourgine to be behind the counter. She’s an actress, not a bartender, and Catherine Bordey is a character, not a real person.

What’s It Like to Visit?

Le Madras is a casual spot, not a fancy restaurant. Reviews on sites like TripAdvisor say it’s charming, with good food and fair prices—main dishes run €15 to €25. The menu leans local: accras (fish fritters), colombo (Creole curry), and fresh seafood. The view is a highlight—Caribbean Sea right there, just like in the show. Some fans mention seeing photos or memorabilia from Death in Paradise, but it’s not a full-on theme park setup. It’s a working bar with its own identity, not a museum.

If you go, book a table during peak tourist season—it can get crowded. And don’t expect it to look exactly like Catherine’s Bar. The show adds its own flair, like the fictional sign and extra props. Still, the vibe is close enough that you’ll feel like you’re in Saint Marie, especially if you catch a sunset that looks like it’s straight out of the opening credits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fans get some things wrong about Catherine’s Bar. First off, it’s not called Catherine’s Bar in real life—it’s Le Madras. Calling it by the show’s name might confuse locals. Another big mistake is thinking you can just show up during filming and walk in. When the crew’s there, the bar is closed to the public. Filming is a controlled operation, and they don’t let tourists wander onto the set. If you want to visit, aim for late fall or winter, when the production team isn’t around.

Another misconception? Expecting Le Madras to be a perfect replica of the show. It’s close, but it’s a real business, not a set frozen in time. Some fans get disappointed when they see it’s not 100% identical—different signs, slightly different decor. Managing expectations is key. Check reviews, look at recent photos online, and go in knowing it’s a real place with its own life.

What Happens If You Get It Wrong?

Mess this up, and you might be bummed out. Show up during filming season, and you’ll be turned away—no chance to sit at Catherine’s table. Or you might plan your whole trip around visiting, only to find it’s not quite the TV fantasy you imagined. It’s still a great spot, but it’s not a movie set 24/7. Do your homework—check when filming happens, read up on what Le Madras is like, and you’ll have a better time.

Why Le Madras Works for the Show

Using a real place like Le Madras is a smart move for Death in Paradise. A studio set might look fine, but it wouldn’t have the same soul. The bar’s realness—creaky floors, ocean breeze—makes Saint Marie feel alive. If they’d gone with a fake set, the show might’ve felt flat, like a lot of green-screen productions do. Fans notice that stuff. Le Madras adds a layer of depth that keeps people hooked.

The Impact on Le Madras

For Le Madras, being Catherine’s Bar is a blessing and a challenge. The show brings in customers—fans from all over the world stop by to eat and take pictures. But it also means closing for months during filming, which disrupts business. Staff have to deal with tourists asking if DI Jack Mooney ever sat at a specific table. Still, the owners seem cool with it. The global attention is worth the hassle, and they’ve embraced the connection without turning the place into a gimmicky tourist trap.

The Bottom Line

Catherine’s Bar is real, but it’s Le Madras in Deshaies, Guadeloupe, dressed up for Death in Paradise. It’s a functioning bar and restaurant you can visit, with good food, a chill vibe, and a killer ocean view. Just don’t expect it to be identical to the show, and plan your trip when filming’s not happening. Its realness is part of why fans love it—it makes Saint Marie feel like a place you could step into. Whether you’re a hardcore Death in Paradise fan or just curious, knowing the story behind Catherine’s Bar makes every episode hit a little harder.