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Discover the best of Caribbean culture and creativity in the UK with Curated Caribbean, a blog series designed to bring you a carefully curated selection of Caribbean stories, events, and experiences in the UK. From tasty eats and cultural workshops to must-see showcases and celebrations, we’ve got you covered. Come back every month for more Caribbean inspiration!
Curated Caribbean Picks: Top Three Discoveries
Discover Voices of Resistance at The Postal Museum. Step into the powerful stories of resilience at Voices of Resistance: Slavery and Post in the Caribbean, a new exhibition at The Postal Museum. Uncover how 19th-century postal ships, carrying mail between the UK and the Caribbean, played a role in the brutal systems of transatlantic slavery. Through letters exchanged between plantation owners and managers, the exhibition pieces together the lived experiences of enslaved people and their acts of resistance. Learn about the enslaved Caribbean coal workers who fuelled these ships, on the island of St. Thomas. Their legacy is honoured through a special film created in collaboration with Dollar fo’ Dollar, a St. Thomas-based organisation committed to preserving their stories. Opening on 5 April 2025, this thought-provoking exhibition is included with museum entry.
Image from The Postal Museum
Experience the Flavours of the Caribbean. Get a taste of the islands at Taste of the Caribbean Food & Drink Festival, Europe’s largest celebration of Caribbean cuisine and culture. Explore a mouth-watering selection of innovative street food vendors representing different Caribbean countries, offering delicious dishes, snacks, and desserts. Beyond the flavours, discover talented traders selling everything from cakes, sauces, and jams to fashion, art, and greeting cards - perfect for taking a piece of the Caribbean home with you. Enjoy live music, watch cooking demonstrations, and cheer on brave contestants in lively eating contests. With fun fair rides and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone. Find out more and get your tickets to a festival near you at Taste of the Caribbean UK.
Image from Taste of the Caribbean
Explore Caribbean Voices at Museum of London Docklands. Discover the lasting impact of the Caribbean community on London Docklands with the Caribbean Voices: Shaping Docklands Trail. This free, self-guided experience highlights the stories of resilience, heritage, and contribution that have shaped the area’s history. Follow the trail to uncover the legacies of Caribbean produce in Britain, the experiences of Second World War veterans, and the ongoing influence of the community. Created in collaboration with local partners, the trail invites you to reclaim and reflect on these important histories. Pick up your trail guide on the third floor and explore the six stops across the museum. Available until 24 January 2027.
Image from Tihara Smith (2023)
Missed these?
Curated Caribbean discoveries from the last edition that are still worth checking out!
Last Chance to See 'In the Grip of Change'. Explore the journey from colony to independence at Senate House Library, London. This powerful exhibition traces the fight for self-governance, the work of activists, and the legacy of Caribbean migration to the UK. Featuring pamphlets, newspapers, calypsos, and poetry, it offers a vibrant reflection on the Caribbean diaspora. Extended until 12th April - don’t miss it! Find out more here.
Final Call for 'Alterations'. Catch the last performances of Alterations at the National Theatre, London. Step into a bustling tailor's shop in this heartfelt comedy that captures the Guyanese experience of 1970s London. Through laughter and reflection, the play explores the sacrifices and dreams of the Windrush generation. The production ends on 5 April 2025. Book your tickets here.
Tihara's Review of 'Alterations'
I found the production thought-provoking, offering an insight into the hard work & sacrifices made by many of the Windrush Generation in their pursuit of success in Britain. It made me reflect on the cost of success - the personal & cultural toll it can take.
Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History by Keshia Sakarah is out now! This cookbook is an incredible journey through the social and culinary history of the Caribbean. Featuring recipes from every nation, this ground-breaking cookbook is the first to explore the food culture of the entire region. Get your copy here.
Caribbean Taste of the Month
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 2014.
From spicy beef and jerk chicken patties to more delicious fillings like ackee and saltfish or curried goat, and of course vegetarian and vegan options, their menu offers something for everyone. After your patty, treat yourself to a Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake or a Blue Mountain coffee for the full island experience.
Image from @jamaicanpattyco
Image from @jamaicanpattyco
Jamaican Patty Co. has recently opened a new branch in Farringdon! If you're nearby or passing through on your way to catch a train, make sure to stop by and indulge in their delicious patties.
No worries if Farringdon isn't convenient for you - they’ve got three other locations to visit. See them all below:
Covent Garden
26 New Row, Covent Garden,
London WC2N 4LA
Liverpool Street
27 Liverpool Street,
London EC2M 7PD
Canary Wharf
2a Reuters Plaza,
London E14 5AJ
Farringdon
42 Cowcross Street,
Farringdon, London EC1M 6BY
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:
Chef Dom Taylor
@chefdomtaylor
Elevate your Caribbean cooking with Chef Dom Taylor’s limited edition sauces, now available on DELLI! Grab a bottle of his Roasted Plantain Jam and Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce to add a distinctive twist to your dishes.
A South London-born chef with Jamaican and Saint Lucian roots, Dom Taylor founded his brand to bring authentic Caribbean flavours to a wider audience. With experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, you may know him from Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef and the launch of The Good Front Room at The Langham, London,. Dom’s mission is to honour and modernise Caribbean cuisine, all while preserving its rich heritage.
Image from DELLI
Caribbean Fashion History
@caribbeanfashionhistory
I’ve recently discovered this new Instagram page dedicated to documenting the history of Caribbean Fashion. A must-follow for fashion lovers and Caribbean culture enthusiasts alike, this account highlights the stories of iconic figures who help shape the fashion world.
So far, they’ve shared the inspiring stories of Althea McNish, the Trinidadian textile artist; Kwame Brathwaite, the Brooklyn-born photographer of Barbadian descent who played a vital role in the ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement; and Jamaican designer Ivy Ralph O.D. (mother of actress Sheryl Lee Ralph), who created the revolutionary Kariba suit, an alternative to the colonial-era jacket and tie.
Be sure to follow for more insights and to learn more about Caribbean fashion histories!
Image from @caribbeanfashionhistory
Maxwell
@maxillicious
I recently discovered Maxwell (aka Maxillicious), a UK-based chef and content creator who blends his Jamaican heritage with a modern twist in his delicious recipes. I follow him on Instagram and noticed he’s curated a ‘Start Here Caribbean’ box on DELLI.
This cuisine pantry box includes six new DELLI products, featuring Maxillicious’s own Jerk Seasoning, alongside other amazing DELLI maker products (including a jar of Green Seasoning from our friends at Bon Mangé!). Plus, he’s shared three of his signature recipes in the box - Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta, Coconut Chicken Curry, and Honey Glazed Jerk Salmon - so you can bring the flavours of the Caribbean straight to your kitchen.
Image from @maxillicious
Discover the Caribbean Beyond London
I’m based in London, so I’m naturally more familiar with the events, exhibitions, and restaurants in the capital. But I know the Caribbean spirit is alive and thriving across the UK. When I come across exciting discoveries outside of London, I’ll be sure to share them here!
I’d also love your help in finding hidden gems too! If you’ve come across a must-visit event or location outside of London, email me at hello@tiharasmith.com and I’ll do my best to feature it in the next edition of Curated Caribbean!
Norwich
African & Caribbean Market
Saturday 5th July | 10am - 5pm
Head to The Forum Norwich for the African & Caribbean Market on Saturday, 5th July, and experience the best of African and Caribbean cultures. The market will feature vibrant stalls offering products from both cultures, mouth-watering street food, and lively music and dance performances.
With free entry, this family-friendly event is an accessible celebration for all - including facilities like a Changing Places toilet. Plus, they’re looking for traders, so if you’re interested, get in touch with them!
Bristol
Jessica Ashman: 'Those That Do Not Smile Will Kill Me’: Decolonising Jamaican Flora
Until 27th July 2025
Explore a powerful new installation by artist Jessica Ashman at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery . Supported by the University of the Arts London Decolonising Institute’s 20/20 programme, this multi-disciplinary work, 'Those That Do Not Smile Will Kill Me', delves into the complex history of Jamaican flora through immersive soundscapes and moving imagery.
Ashman’s research draws from the museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth archives, alongside specimens in the Natural History collection, to reflect on how enslaved people in Jamaica connected with their spirituality through the landscape. This thought-provoking installation invites you to reconsider perceptions of nature, botanical knowledge, and the ownership of Earth’s rich natural resources.
Top Picks for April
As we head into mid-Spring, here are some of my shop highlights for you to explore!
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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