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This is my final Curated Caribbean roundup for 2025. This edition is filled with things to do in the build up to the festive season, plus an exciting look ahead to 2026.
To help you bring the Caribbean right into your home, I’m also sharing some of my favourite Caribbean-inspired cookbooks, perfect for giving your festive table or New Year gatherings that unmistakable Caribbean twist.
And if you’re not already feeling the holiday spirit, there’s plenty happening to get you in the Christmas mood with Chef Dom's - The Good Front Room returning in time for Christmas, The Black Culture Market, The Black Santa’s Grotto, Big Eats London's Christmas Market and The St. Lucian Association of London 1963 Annual Christmas Market. There's so much more so keep reading!
Not a Christmas person? No worries, your Caribbean calendar is still covered. Check out Chef Keshia Sakarah’s latest chef residency at The Pilgrm, where bold flavours meet modern dining, and discover how you can learn Kwéyòl with Soir Kweyol to deepen your Caribbean connection.
There’s plenty to enjoy before the year wraps up. Read on to discover what's on!
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries
The Good Front Room returns this December for a festive 12 Days of Christmas Supper Club presented by Chef Dom Taylor. Running from 5 December 2025 at a high end, floor to ceiling glass venue in Dalston, London, the supper club dates also includes Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day brunch. Bookings open on a first come, first served basis, with registration available via Chef Dom’s social channels.
Following the success of the original residency at Palm Court at The Langham, the menu will showcase Caribbean inspired favourites including jerk chicken with plantain jam, rum and raisin pork belly, ham hock stew peas and ackee and saltfish cake.
Image from @chefdomtaylor
Calling all the Curl enthusiasts!! TreasureTress is inviting you to their 10 Year Pop Up Experience. Join them on 5th & 6th December in East London from 11am to 7.30pm as they celebrate a decade of championing curls, culture and confidence.
Expect a full day of festive beauty, community and shopping, with creator conversations, expert-led masterclasses, exclusive product launches and special Christmas moments.
You'll also find brands like Jamii there, alongside Black Eats Ldn, Wing Stop and plenty more!!
This winter the Black Culture Market is back with a Christmas Market special. It's your opportunity to not only celebrate African and Caribbean culture but to get your Christmas gifts from an amazing line-up of traders. What better way to get in the Christmas spirit!
Whether it's a present for someone else or a little treat for yourself they'll have something for everyone from tasty food to fashion.
Join in on the fun on Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th Dec 2025, 11am-5pm. Downstairs at The Department Store, Brixton, SW9 8FR.
Image from @blackculturemarket
Get Ready for the St. Lucian Association of London 1963’s Annual Christmas Market!
Join them for a one-day-only celebration that showcases Caribbean vendors, festive cheer, and cultural pride all under one roof on Saturday 6th December, 1pm - 6pm at Brickworks Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill, Finsbury Park, N4 4BY.
Image from @slal1963
The Vitality Netball Horizon Series is back for its second year and is heading to the capital this December 2025!
The Vitality Roses will welcome the Sunshine Girls on 13 and 14 December 2025 for the third and fourth matches of their four-test series. Matches one and two will take place in Jamaica, before heading to London for the final two games where the winning team will lift the trophy at the Copper Box Arena.
Image from @englandnetball
I discovered Chef Keshia Sakarah many years ago at a pop-up she did in Waterloo and have never forgotten about the delicious food that was served, so I am super excited for her Chef residency at The Pilgrm, where she will be cooking up a storm of Caribbean food until 20 December.
And if all that's not enough Co-founder of Kromanti Rum, Dani, has created a Scotch Bonnet Daiquiri and a Hibiscus Rum Fashioned that will be on the menu too, made with their traditional Grenadian-recipe rum.
Join Original Flava for an intimate Caribbean Christmas dinner & live masterclass experience.
It includes:
- 3-course festive menu
- Unlimited rum punch hour
- Live Caribbean cooking demo
- Great music, games & prizes
- Xmas recipe card
Tickets on sale from Sunday 30 November, 10am
Image from @originalflava
This Christmas season, the award-winning Black Eats returns to South with a Christmas market on the 20th and 21st December.
Join them for a special festive edition of Black Eats dedicated entirely to retail!
Explore 40+ independent Black-owned brands offering fashion, homeware, beauty, art, and unique gifts - perfect for your Christmas shopping.
Image from @blackeatsldn
Get ready to vibe with purpose at Cocoa Kids Fest 2025 - Vibin’ for Jamaica on Sunday 21st December, 1pm - 8pm at Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD.
Join for a full day of music, dance, creativity, and community as talented children from across the UK take the stage to sing, rap, dance, and perform. Between shows, explore their festive market, packed with Caribbean snacks, Jamaican sorrel, Christmas gifts, and creative parent & child workshops. There’ll be toy giveaways, live entertainment, and much more!
Image from @cocoagirlbrand
The Black Santa’s Grotto Experience returns for 2025 on 17th - 22nd December!
Step into a magical East London Christmas wonderland as The Kringle family transforms The Old Shoreditch railway ticket hall into a festive celebration of Black British culture. This enchanting one-hour workshop includes making reindeer food, a mini Elf School session, and a special meet-and-greet with Mr. Kringle aka Black Santa.
Founded by Charlotte Lewis, a South East London creative of Jamaican heritage, Noir Kringle was born from her mission to ensure children see themselves reflected in magical spaces too.
Image from @noirkringle_blacksantauk
Christmas Cards
There's still something very special about recieving a Christmas card in the post (or by hand).
It's become the not so predicatable way to tell someone how much you care and a beautiful keepsake for years to come, some even frame my cards so they can make a great additional gift, either as a main gift or something to add as a Christmas stocking filler.
Caribbean Christmas Dinner Inspiration
A Caribbean Christmas involves food - and lots of it! Every family’s Caribbean Christmas dinner menu varies, but you can expect it to include dishes like traditional Christmas turkey, honey ham, jerk pork, macaroni cheese, curry goat and Christmas rum cake (also called fruit cake or black cake). For families of the Windrush Generation, you could also find some classic British Christmas dinner staples, like Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and pigs in blanket, a fusion of the two cultures after years of living in the UK.
If you need a bit of inspo to bring some Caribeean flavour into your Christmas dinner, check out my Caribbean Christmas Inspiration blog.
Caribbean cookbooks
As well as great to have for reference if you're in charge of this years Christmas dinner, these books make great Christmas presents too.
Kin: Caribbean Recipes for the Modern Kitchen
As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Marie Mitchell's cooking is motivated by a powerful desire to understand and celebrate those recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. In Kin, her hotly anticipated debut cookbook, she shares dishes from the Caribbean and its diaspora, exploring the connection food can foster between different times and different places, and between friends, families and strangers.
Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History
A groundbreaking cookbook covering the full breadth of Caribbean food culture across more than 20 islands and nations. Chef and writer Keshia Sakarah blends deep historical research with regional travel to share iconic dishes and the stories behind them, from Haiti’s Soup Joumou and Dominican Saltfish Accra to Guyanese Pepperpot and Montserratian Fish Broth, celebrating the complexity, heritage, and joy of Caribbean cuisine.
Original Flava: Caribbean Recipes from Home
Brothers Craig and Shaun bring the flavors of Jamaica to your kitchen with easy, accessible, and tasty recipes. From classics like Ackee ‘n’ Saltfish and Curry Goat to modern twists such as Honey Roasted Jerk-Spiced Salmon and Plantain Beanburgers, this book celebrates Jamaican culture, family traditions, and the joy of cooking together.
The Pepperpot Diaries: Stories From My Caribbean Table
Andi Oliver celebrates traditional and contemporary Caribbean cooking through recipes, cherished ingredients, and rich storytelling. Guided by her travels in Antigua, she explores heritage, identity, and the cultural forces that shape Caribbean cuisine, sharing simple, soulful dishes rooted in memory and looking toward the future of the region’s food.
Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook
Melissa’s cookbook explores the history, people, and ingredients that shaped Jamaican cuisine. Featuring classics like Saltfish Fritters, Curry Goat, and Patties alongside her own twists with Oxtail Nuggets, Ginger Beer Prawns, and Sticky Rum Wings. Motherland combines recipes with essays tracing over 500 years of cultural influences, from indigenous and African roots to colonial and immigrant contributions.
Kwéyòl / Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings from a St. Lucian Chef's Journey: A Cookbook
James Beard Award-winning chef Nina Compton shares 100 recipes inspired by her journey from St. Lucia to Jamaica, Miami, and New Orleans. Celebrating African heritage and Creole traditions, the book features dishes like Steamed Snapper with Peppery Ginger Sauce, Curried Goat, Green Fig and Saltfish, and Coconut-Braised Collard Greens, blending history, storytelling, and bold Caribbean flavors.
Places To Try a Caribbean Christmas Dinner
Original Flava Christmas Dinner
Join Original Flava for an intimate Caribbean Christmas dinner & live masterclass experience. It includes a 3-course festive menu, unlimited rum punch hour, a live Caribbean cooking demo and more.
The Good Front Room 12 Days of Christmas
Join Chef Dom Taylor for a one-off Christmas edition of The Good Front Room. Across December, expect a premium festive dining experience inspired by Caribbean home traditions and featuring some of Dom’s most requested signature dishes.
Roger's Kitchen Christmas Menu
‘Roger’s Kitchen’ cooks Caribbean food twith passion and panache. Originally from Westmoreland, Jamaica, Roger came to London in 1999.He has spent decades perfecting Jamaican classics such as Curry Goat and Jerk Chicken which now sits alongside new favourites such as his special Pork Ribs and vibrant Vegan Curry. Head to Roger's Kitchen to experience a Caribbean Christmas Dinner.
Ma Petite Jamaica Christmas Menu
Step away from the classic turkey this year and mix up your Christmas party with a jerk platter,plenty of rum and reggae vibes. Enjoy a generous set menu and sharing style family menu with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
Guanabana Christmas Menu
This Christmas, swap the turkey for jerk, and gather your friends, family, or workmates for a Caribbean feast at Guanabana, Camden’s original halal-friendly Caribbean restaurant.
Christmas gift ideas
The festive season is fast approaching, so we’ve put together a selection of our products that make great presents. But before you start shopping, don’t forget to check the Post Office cut-off dates.
Check the Royal Mail UK Christmas posting dates for 2025:
Royal Mail - Within the UK
- December 17th - 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed
- December 19th - Royal Mail Tracked 48®
- December 20th - 1st Class and 1st Class Signed For
- December 21st - Royal Mail Tracked 24®
- December 23rd - Special Delivery Guaranteed®
For international post, search the country you want to send your gifts too on the Post Office website.
More Gift ideas
Caribbean Taste of the Month
Rachel Ama is a two-time bestselling cookbook author, food entrepreneur, and digital powerhouse dedicated to bringing bold, nourishing, and unapologetic flavours to the table. Rooted in Caribbean heritage and London’s vibrant food culture, she is on a mission to make high-quality, real food accessible without compromise.
Included in her range of deliciousness is her self-named sauces, Ama's Jerk Marinade and Sticky Miso Jerk.
And if you don't know how to handle sauces that are bursting with flavour then Rachel has you covered in her Substack, where she guides you on how to get the best out of her sauces.
Image by Rachel Ama
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Last month we highlighted Jamaican-born photographer Neil Kenlock's photo exhibition - Beyond Expectations at Swiss Cottage Gallery, which offers a rare glimpse into untold stories of Black British life during the 1960s and 1970s, decades that reshaped not only Camden but the cultural and political landscape of Britain.
Plus, I also told you about Bon Mangé’s sauces! Their small-batch sauces from Aunty Val’s legendary hot sauce to Mandella’s vibrant green seasoning will bring the warmth and spice of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen.
More Discoveries
This month, I’ve come across even more incredible finds that simply had to be part of Curated Caribbean! Here are some additional gems to explore:
National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago
The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago showcases the highest level of musicianship, playing local and traditional orchestral music. Including soca, which at first thought you may not put this fusion together, but soca played in any format will have you moving.
Image from @nationalphilharmonictt
Dominica Gourmet
Discover great foods from the island of Dominica. Be inspired by Dominica Gourmet's recipes, and photos as they prepare authentic Dominican dishes.
Featuring dishes to have from breakfast to dinner, you're sure to find a new Caribbean dish you didn't know that you needed.
Image from @dominicagourmet
Soir Kweyol
Discover Soir Kweyol’s comprehensive Saint Lucian Kwéyòl phrase book, designed for both beginners and fluent speakers.
Featuring over 300 practical phrases across 18 everyday topics, this guide covers everything from dining and shopping to romance and general conversation. A clear pronunciation guide is included to support complete beginners.
Kwéyòl is finding its voice again, thanks to Sylvie “Soir” Smith, a Saint Lucian author dedicated to bringing the island’s mother tongue into the digital age.
Image from @Soir Kweyol
Designs By Regal
Designs by Regal celebrates the beauty of madras, transforming the traditional Caribbean fabric into bold, contemporary fashion statements. Regal, a self-taught seamstress and jewelry designer channels her creativity into pieces that honor and elevate Caribbean culture.
Once seen mainly in Quadrille attire, Moko Jumbie costumes, and festival decorations, madras now takes center stage in Regal's modern designs. Her brand features unique fashion pieces, signature jewelry, and collaborative madras-focused photography, all crafted to inspire a deeper appreciation.
Image from @designs.by.regal
What's On for 2026
The Music is Black: A British Story
V&A East Museum 125 years of Black music-making in Britain. This landmark exhibition will reveal how Black British music has shaped British culture. Spanning four continents and 12 decades, this is a story of excellence and struggle, resilience and joy. Tickets available soon
Project a Black Planet The Art and Culture of Panafrica
Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 300 works - from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film at the Barbican from Thu 11 Jun - Sun 6 Sep 2026.
The exhibition presents work produced across Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, North America and Western Europe, from artists including Chris Ofili, Marlene Dumas and Kerry James Marshall.
Steel Scenes - Celebrating 75 years since the first UK steel pan performance at the Festival of Britain.
The Southbank Centre will be celebrating its 75th Anniversary next year and as part of it they will be hosting a series of culture lead events including Steel Scenes on Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jul 2026.
Steel pan groups from across the UK will come together for a weekend takeover to mark 75 years since the first UK steel pan performance, at the Festival of Britain.
Windrush Food Culture - From the Margins to the Mainstream (6 November 2025 - 30 July 2026)
An exhibition of Windrush Food and Culture and its impact on Britain from 6 November 2025 - 30 July 2026 at The National Windrush Museum, located at Royal Museums Greenwhich, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF.
From Roots to Revolution on the British TableCaribbean food is now part of Britain’s national appetite, from jerk chicken at Carnival, to patties on the high street, to Saturday soup at Grandma’s house, and sorrel during the holiday season. Behind every bite and memory is a deeper story and meaning.
This exhibition is a journey of exploration into how the Windrush Generation brought not only their flavours, but their memory, resilience, cultural creativity, and techniques to post-war Britain. It traces the journey of food as comfort, survival, celebration, resistance, and sustenance.
This is more than a culinary display.
It is an archive of migration, a testimony of invention and reinvention, of adaptability and of community.
Image from @nationalwindrushmuseum
Exhibitions
Sheffield Stories: Caribbean Footsteps (Ongoing through May 2027)
Exhibition exploring the inspiring stories of Sheffield's Caribbean community.
More info
Legacies of Windrush in Cambridge (Ongoing through January 2026)
Highlights the lives and experiences of the local Caribbean Windrush community through oral histories, music, food, and community stories.
Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show (January 29 – February 1, 2026)
The UK's biggest and longest-running consumer travel event. If travelling to the Caribbean is on your bucket list head to Olympia to learn more.
Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots Exhibition (Open now until 4th January 2026)
Black British photographer Jennie Baptiste. Rhythm & Roots will showcase her photography of British cultural history through her documentation of fashion, music and youth culture from the 90s to today at Somerset House.
More info
Legacies of Windrush in Cambridge (Open until January 2026)
Legacies of Windrush in Cambridge is the first exhibition of its kind, shining a light on the lives and experiences of the Caribbean Windrush community and those who left an indelible mark on Cambridge and the UK.
Dates for your diary
Caribbean Independence Days
- 7th February 1974 - Grenada
- 22nd February 1979 - St Lucia
- 26th May 1966 - Guyana
- 10th July 1973 - The Bahamas
- 6th August 1962 - Jamaica
- 31st August 1962 - Trinidad & Tobago
- 19th September 1983 - St Kitts & Nevis
- 21st September 1981 - Belize
- 27th October 1979 - St Vincent & The Grenadines
- 1st November 1981 - Antigua & Barbuda
- 3rd November 1978 - Dominica
- 30th November 1966 - Barbados
Carnivals in the UK
- Notting Hill Carnival (London) - More info
- Leeds West Indian Carnival - More info
- St Pauls Carnival (Bristol) - More info
- Manchester Caribbean Carnival - More info
- Nottingham Carnival - More info
- Derby Caribbean Carnival - More info
- Leicester Caribbean Carnival - More info
- Luton International Carnival - More info
Share Your Caribbean Discoveries!
Get in touch!
Have you come across any inspiring stories or exciting discoveries celebrating Caribbean culture and the diaspora? Whether it’s Caribbean fashion, Caribbean food, or Caribbean-inspired art, I’d love to spotlight your discoveries. I’d especially love to hear about hidden gems or events outside of London. Email hello@tiharasmith.com to share your finds with me, and I’ll do my best to feature them in the next Curated Caribbean to share with our community!
About Tihara Smith
Tihara is a fashion designer and textile artist passionate about design, the Caribbean and sharing the Windrush story. She loves creating distinctive pieces that allow people to have a little piece of the Caribbean 🌴✨
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this blog post. For any questions about their products or services, please contact them directly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Curated Caribbean and Caribbean Culture in the UK
What is Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is a monthly roundup celebrating Caribbean culture, creativity, and community - from events and exhibitions in the UK to Caribbean-inspired food, fashion, and travel discoveries.
Will there be a Curated Caribbean in December?
Unlikely as we will be taking a break, but do plan to return in the new year with more of our findings. If you have any recommendations of places you think should get a mention on Curated Caribbean, then visit our contact me page.
Who writes Curated Caribbean?
Curated Caribbean is created by me, Tihara Smith, a fashion designer, and textile artist passionate about Caribbean heritage and the Windrush generation’s influence on British culture.
How can I get featured in Curated Caribbean?
If you have a Caribbean-inspired product or event, you can email hello@tiharasmith.com with details about your product, event, or story for a chance to be featured.
How can I stay updated on new posts and events?
You can sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly updates, event highlights, and exclusive Caribbean-inspired discoveries - plus enjoy a 10% discount on your first order.
Or follow us on social media - @tiharasmith
Does Tihara Smith work with brands or collaborators?
We occasionally collaborate with like-minded people that celebrate Caribbean culture. Get in touch via hello@tiharasmith.com if you’d like to discuss opportunities.
Is Curated Caribbean affiliated with the events or businesses mentioned?
No, unless otherwise stated, we are not affiliated with the featured brands or venues. For specific product or ticket enquiries, please contact them directly.
Why is Caribbean culture important to the UK?
The Caribbean community has played a vital role in shaping British music, fashion, food, and identity, from the Windrush generation to today’s artists and entrepreneurs. Curated Caribbean celebrates that ongoing legacy.
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