Over the next three months, Carib Eats will host a series of weekly community canteens, serving home-cooked Caribbean meals to locals
The rich and vibrant flavours of the Caribbean are set to nourish the local community as Carib Eats takes over the Black Cultural Centre on Hornsey Road, Islington. The new residency marks a significant step in fostering cultural connections and providing a welcoming space for residents of Black African and Caribbean heritage.
Carib Eats commenced its tenure at the Black Cultural Centre with a lively launch event on February 12. The occasion was marked by a live DJ set from London-based DJ AG, creating a spirited atmosphere to introduce the initiative to the community.
Over the next three months, Carib Eats will host a series of weekly community canteens, serving home-cooked Caribbean meals to locals. In addition to this culinary offering, the programme will include entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence workshops and supper clubs featuring guest chefs. Poetry and spoken word evenings will also be part of the residency, adding an artistic and literary dimension to the experience.
The overarching aim of Carib Eats is to establish an inclusive and welcoming space that authentically reflects the culture and needs of Islington’s Black community. By fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness through food and shared cultural experiences, the initiative aspires to leave a meaningful and lasting impact.
Community spaces like the Black Cultural Centre are vital in creating connections and celebrating culture. Over the past few months, Black History Studies have made an incredible impact in celebrating Black culture, and Carib Eats will no doubt build on their legacy.
Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Equalities, Communities and Inclusion
Ali Kakande, founder of Carib Eats, expressed enthusiasm about the residency: “We’re so excited to bring Carib Eats to the Black Cultural Centre. Over the next three months, we want to bring people together through food, culture, and connection. We started with a simple idea – creating spaces where people, especially those from the global majority, can enjoy delicious, culturally relevant meals while feeling a sense of belonging and community. Our goal is to leave a lasting impact by showing the value of spaces that truly reflect the culture and needs of the Black community in Islington.”
The Black Cultural Centre in Islington, officially opened in November last year, operates under an innovative rotational model, where four different organisations manage the space for three months. Carib Eats is the second organisation to take over the centre, following the initial tenure of Black History Studies.
Black History Studies, founded and run by husband-and-wife team Mark and Charmaine Simpson, played a pivotal role in establishing the centre’s identity during its first three months. Through an extensive programme of workshops, educational lectures, and a community cinema, they created a vibrant hub that celebrated Black culture while addressing crucial topics such as health and wellness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Their work has set a strong foundation for Carib Eats, which now takes the baton to continue enriching the community through a different yet complementary approach. The focus on food, cultural expression, and business development ensures that the Black Cultural Centre remains a thriving and dynamic space for local residents.
Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Equalities, Communities, and Inclusion, highlighted the importance of the centre in fostering community spirit. She remarked: “Community spaces like the Black Cultural Centre are vital in creating connections and celebrating culture.
“Over the past few months, Black History Studies have made an incredible impact in celebrating Black culture, and Carib Eats will no doubt build on their legacy. I encourage everyone to visit, take part and sign up to the Black Cultural Centre’s mailing list to stay updated on the fantastic community-led events taking place.”
The residency of Carib Eats at the Black Cultural Centre is set to run for three months, offering an exciting and diverse schedule of events. The initiative not only provides an opportunity for local residents to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean but also supports education, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression within the community.
As Carib Eats embarks on this journey, the Black Cultural Centre continues to evolve as a vital and inclusive space that strengthens cultural identity and community ties. With each residency, the centre reinforces its commitment to celebrating Black heritage and empowering the local community, making it a beacon of culture and connection in Islington.
