A selection of colourful cards, prints, pins & tees, now up to 40% off. Ends 2nd February.
Welcome to Curated Caribbean!
For those of you who have just discovered this page, Curated Caribbean is a series on our blog where you will find a carefully curated selection of stories and discoveries that celebrate Caribbean culture and the diaspora in the UK.
We know it is hard to think about Caribbean sunshine during the UK winter months, but although it is still cold, there is a real sense that brighter days are on the way. The days are getting lighter, and if that is not quite cheering you up yet, this might do the trick - if you are reading this month’s edition of Curated Caribbean before 6 February, you can shop our Winter Sale with up to 40% off selected items!
Our Winter Sale includes a little bit of everything, from notebooks and notepads, to t-shirts and pins. Plus, for anyone celebrating Galentine’s or Valentine’s Day, you may also find the perfect greeting card for someone special in our Winter Sale.
Once you've had a browse of the sale, come back to Curated Caribbean for our special recap of Caribbean tastes we loved from last year, along with our usual round up of Caribbean events coming soon.
Let’s get started! Scroll down to discover what’s on:
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Discoveries
The Good Front Room
Chef Dom Taylor is taking the reins of the kitchen at The Good Front Room. Opening on 5 February - You'll be treated to inspired Caribbean food with soul.
Reimagined + Elevated Caribbean Cuisine, rooted in memory and made for now.
Image from @thegoodfrontroom
Reggae Brunch London - Trinidad Carnival Edition
@reggaebrunch
If you’re longing to liven up your brunch the Reggae Brunch experience may be just what you’re looking for. With events across the UK (and overseas too) they provide a unique Caribbean experience.
This month is its Carnival!!!! Trinidad Edition Reggae Brunch. Join them on the 14 Feb for the Trinidad Carnival Edition
Image from @reggaebrunch
Black Culture Market
@blackculturemarket
The Black Culture Market is back for its first 2026 event at The Department Store, Brixton on the 28th Feb & 1st March.
The event brings together Black-owned businesses from across the community, offering unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and inspiring finds.
Image from @blackculturemarket
Caribbean Taste of the Month Recap
Last year, we uncovered so many delicious Caribbean-inspired foods and drinks and we want to keep the discoveries coming! See below for a few of our favourites.
Bokt'la
Bokit’la is the first French Caribbean street food vendor in London. They are a family run business who have created their own twist to one of Guadeloupe’s most popular dishes: the bokit. Each Bokit (or Bokit Bowl) comes with their homemade and exclusive chilli sauce, created by their mother with five different levels to suit everyone’s taste and preference.
Rachel Ama
Rachel Ama 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.
Riddim Snacks
Telling Caribbean stories one snack at a time, with exciting flavour combos like:
- Cocoa Tea Popcorn
- Coconut Punch Popcorn
- Scotch Bonnet and Chedduh Plantain Chips
- Lime + Sea Salt Plantain Chips
- Jerk BBQ Plantain Chips.
IslandSlice Rum
IslandSlice Rum is a fusion of St Lucian traditions and Scottish distilling expertise. They pay homage to the rich culture of the Caribbean while infusing it with the time-honoured craftsmanship and precision of Scottish whisky-making.
Bon Mangé
If you haven’t tried Bon Mangé’s sauces yet, you’re seriously missing out. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Rochelle and Mandella, Bon Mangé is all about sharing the bold flavours of St. Lucia with the world.
Jamaican Patty Co
Craving an authentic taste of Jamaica? Look no further than the Jamaican Patty Co., the go-to spot for delicious, freshly made Jamaican patties right here in London. Known for their golden, flaky pastry and mouth-watering fillings, Jamaican Patty Co. has been serving up traditional Jamaican flavours in London since 2013.
Fullertons Crisps
Fullertons Crisps offers a selection of delicious Caribbean-inspired flavours. They come in 5 delicious flavours including:
- Jerk Chicken & Scotch Bonnet
- Oxtail, Scotch Bonnet & Lime
- Peppered Prawns
- Mac & Cheese
GABU
Tucked away in Gabriel’s Wharf on London’s Southbank, GABU is a hidden gem run by passionate chocolatier Lisette Davis. She handcrafts incredible artisan chocolates using ethically sourced cocoa from Grenada, the Dominican Republic, and Madagascar, ensuring that every bite supports fair trade and sustainability.
Now, it’s your turn! If you come across a Caribbean dish, drink, or treat that you love, share it with us at hello@tiharasmith.com. We’ll feature the most exciting finds in the next edition of Curated Caribbean, so our community can explore them too.
Let’s celebrate the flavours of the Caribbean together!
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from last month that are still worth checking out!
Last month, we shared a round up of new things to try in 2026, including Raffia Embroidery! I am excited to share my debut book Raffia Embroidery will be published on 17 February, but you can get your copy now if you order it from our website. Plus, if you order by the publication date you'll get a free roll of raffia yarn so you can get started on your first embroidery project straight away! The book is designed to take you through 10 beginner friendly projects, making it the perfect way to start your raffia embroidery journey.
Also on my list for the year is learning to speak Kwéyòl with @twossaints, joining the Reggae Choir @reggaechoir, and learning how to cook Caribbean style with Caribbean Kitchen.
Whether it is language, music or food, these are brilliant ways to connect more deeply with Caribbean culture in 2026.
Where to find me
It has been a great start to the year, and I am excited to share some of the events I will be involved in over the next few months, including:
18th - 19th February - I will be hosting a drop in workshop for families at the Imperial War Museum during the half term break.
On 25th February I will be hosting a Raffia Embroidery Workshop at Waterstones Piccadilly, London, to celebrate the launch of my first book, Raffia Embroidery, published by Search Press. Tickets are limited! You can book tickets here.
19th - 22nd March - I'm excited to share I will be exhibiting at the Stitch Festival for the first time!
And in case you missed it, my raffia embroidery work was featured in two magazines in January, including Love Embroidery and Stitch Magazine!
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:
The Karibbean Kollective
Discover the best of the Caribbean on The Karibbean Kollective website.
Explore the latest in Caribbean pop culture, music, fashion, books, community, and the stories of change-makers and icons.
One of their recent posts features a list of the most anticipated Caribbean books for 2026 - and I’m thrilled that my book was included (thank you, Karibbean Kollective!).
Take a look and find out more.
Image from @thekaribbeankollective
Omolara Herbal
@omolaraherbal
Cherrelle Douglas, a medical herbalist, educator, and founder of Omolara Herbal provides workshops, community education, and consultations to guide you towards sustainable wellness, focused on prevention, ancestral wisdom, and deep listening to your body's rhythms.
Image from @omolaraherbal
BET Mission Motherland
@bet_uk
Mission Motherland is a powerful four-part documentary series exploring identity, legacy, and belonging. Four notable British personalities step away from the spotlight to uncover their family histories, guided by the people who know them best.
From childhood homes to cultural traditions, they reconnect with the lives their families once lived.
Featuring:
- Clara Amfo visits Ghana
- AJ Tracey visits Trinidad & Tobago
- Jimmy Akingbola visits Nigeria
- Alesha Dixon visits Jamaica
Image from @bet_uk
Ways to celebrate Galentine's Day
Friendship deserves its own spotlight so while February 14th focuses on romantic partners, the day before has become a chance to honour the friends who've stuck by your side through everything.
Originally framed as a celebration among female friends, this occasion has grown beyond its initial concept. Today, people of all genders use it as an excuse to appreciate their closest companions, some even call it Palentine's Day to reflect this shift.
Sure, it started as a fictional holiday from a TV show, but why not embrace a chance to tell your favorite people how much they mean to you?
Below we've put some delicious recipe ideas together for you to surprise your bestie with to mark the occasion.
How to make home made chocolate bars
Galentine and Valentines Gift Ideas
If cooking isn't your thing then you could a well thought out gift could be just what you need to show that special someone you care.
Valentine's Day Cards
Whether it's for Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day, or just to celebrate friendship, giving a handwritten greeting card has always been a heartfelt way to tell someone how much they mean to you - romantic or not.
A beautiful card makes a wonderful keepsake for years to come as they can also be framed! Give on its own or add as a little extra surprise alongside chocolates, flowers, or any gift to show you care.
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.
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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