Welcome to the latest edition of Curated Caribbean! This month’s Curated Caribbean serves up a mix of culture with International Doubles Day rounding off the month on 30th May at Limin Southbank to the start of something new with the opening of Chef Dom Taylor’s, ‘Marvee’s Food Shop. Whether you’re craving new culinary experiences or looking to connect with community through creativity, we’ve got your monthly dose of Caribbean inspired goodness right here.
Before we get into it, I just wanted to remind you that you can also catch me on 31st May at The Postal Museum's Mini Creators: Stitching Stories, Weaving Voices, as part of their May Half Term events and inspired by their Voices of Resistance exhibition.
I will be there sharing some of my embroidery tips and techniques and showing how art can be a powerful way to share culture and express creativity.
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Three Discoveries
Enjoy your favourite Caribbean dishes at Chef Dom Taylor’s new shop, ‘Marvee’s Food Shop. It's a playful, soulful nod to the classic Caribbean takeaway offering some of the favourite Caribbean dishes to delight your tastebuds with a wave of flavour. These are just a few of the dishes that caught my eye... Jerk chicken, jerk sauce and plantain jam, escovitch fish with sweet sauce and Bammy Waffle!
Follow the story of Sidney Poitier in the final weeks of Retrograde at the Apollo Theatre. This theatre show follows a young Sidney Poitier on the brink of stardom, facing a choice that could define his legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Starring Ivanno Jeremiah and backed by Colman Domingo, it’s a powerful look at integrity, ambition, and sacrifice. Book by the 14th June.
Celebrate the sounds of Notting Hill Carnival at the Barbican this summer. On 20th June, Rampage Sound System teams up with Nu Civilisation Orchestra for a reimagining of three decades of Carnival anthems. Featuring a 30-piece orchestra and original artists, this powerful live performance brings together the rhythms of Soca, Dancehall, Jungle, and UK Garage. Featuring Carroll Thompson, General Levy, Omar, Stylo G and more, in a celebration of Caribbean roots and the influence of Black British music.
If you love music don’t miss one of our latest blog post 'A Celebration of Caribbean Music and its History' where we go on a musical journey through the Caribbean - from the rhythmic beats of Calypso and Soca to the sounds of Dancehall and Lover’s Rock. Read the full blog post here.
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Discover the history of the Windrush Generation with the Windrush Walking Tour on the Go Jauntly app. Step into the history and legacy of the Windrush Generation with The Windrush Line Walking Tour, a self-guided walking tour brought to life by Transport for London, the Windrush Foundation, and Go Jauntly. Find out more here.
Explore the legacy of Black British music at the Barbican . Learn more about Black British music with Black Sound London, a free exhibition now open at the Barbican Music Library. Find out more here.
Caribbean Taste of the Month
International Doubles Day at Limin Southbank
50% off Doubles for International Doubles Day on 30 May!
If you’ve not tasted doubles before, you’re in for a treat and if you have then you know exactly what I mean! Either way you can’t go wrong with booking a table to celebrate International Doubles Day at Limin Southbank and making the most of their 50% off doubles offer from Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 June.
Doubles are a hand-stretched flatbread topped with spiced chickpeas, served with tamarind, pepper sauce, chutneys, and pickles for a bold, flavour-packed bite.
Choose between their classic doubles, curry chicken, curry goat, caramelised pork or masala fish. Plus, the menu has even more Caribbean dishes to enjoy!
Inspired by Limin' Southbank, I had a go at making my own doubles, so if you can't get down there then head to their website where you can find the recipe too.
Windrush Day 2025
It's Windrush Day on the 22 June. What have you got planned? If you haven't yet decided or would like more ideas then head over to the Windrush Day blog which is filled with things to do and some interesting facts about Windrush Day and why it's celebrated! Read the full blog post.
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:
Yvadney
@YvadneyDavisArt
Yvadney Davis is an award-winning Black British contemporary portrait artist from South London.
Her work is a love letter to the Windrush Generation of her grandparents and its descendants, combining soulful brush strokes and defiant colour with iconic design elements of the 'West Indian front room'.
Island Song
@pepsidemacquec
Let Pepsi Demacque-Crockett (formerly of pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie) transport you to the 1950s in her book, ‘Island Song’.
It tells the story of two sisters from St. Lucia. After their father's death, headstrong Agnes dreams of a new life in London, while cautious Ella remains rooted in their village. As Agnes confronts the stark realities of post-war Britain, both sisters navigate heartbreak, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family.
A timely exploration of the Windrush generation's experiences as we approach Windrush Day.
Twossaints
@twossaints
Not only are Two Saints an amazing resource for those of you who want to learn Kwéyòl, but they host a supper club called ‘Heritage Bites’ which takes you through Caribbean history, culture and cuisine through dishes inspired by traditional Caribbean recipes.
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival
@windrush_fest
The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival (WCFF) returns from 14 to 29 June 2025 with a bold, multi-city programme celebrating Caribbean cinema, Black British storytelling and the legacy of the Windrush Generation.
This year’s theme, Belonging, Being and Becoming , sets the tone for a programme that honours the past while looking to the future. It is an opportunity to explore the richness and complexity of Caribbean stories and their continuing impact on life in the United Kingdom.
Windrush Day Celebrations
Celebrate Windrush Day with me in a creative and meaningful way at our 5-star rated Raffia Embroidery Workshop.
Taking place on 28th June at St John’s Walworth, this hands-on workshop is inspired by Caribbean craft traditions and offers a unique opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and explore your creativity through raffia embroidery.
It’s a beautiful way to come together in a relaxed, welcoming space to gain knowledge about the Windrush Generation and to learn a new skill.
Early bird tickets available: £65 (usually £70) if you book 21+ days in advance. Book before the 7 June for our next workshop!
Discounts on group bookings:
£65 each for 2+
£60 each for 5+
£55 each for 10+
Come along for a relaxed, hands-on session where you’ll learn this joyful Caribbean-inspired craft. It’s the perfect way to spend a creative afternoon solo or with friends. All materials provided, no experience needed.
WINDRUSH SHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some of my Windrush Collection inspired gifts to celebrate Windrush Day.
Share Your Caribbean Discoveries!
Have you come across any inspiring stories or exciting discoveries celebrating Caribbean culture and the diaspora? 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.
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