How to enjoy Notting Hill Carnival this year

Chef Brian Danclair was inspired to get into cooking because of his grandmother. He grew up in awe watching her put together her recipes, serve up mouthwatering dishes and feed happy people in Port au Spain, Trinidad. At the age of 19, Brian moved to Washington where he trained with top chefs and honed his skills in French Provençal cooking. Today he’s got a must-visit restaurant called Fish, Wings and Tings in Brixton Village, which serves food he describes as “Nouvelle Caribbean cuisine”. Here you’ll find delicious classics such as curried chicken, mutton or prawn rotis, along with Brian’s infamous jerk chicken, which is served with tamarind BBQ sauce, pineapple and mango chutney, coleslaw, rice and peas.

Inspired by the beach shacks and street vendors of the Caribbean, Turtle Bay is all about the flavour. So much so in fact they send months perfecting their dishes before any of them makes the menu! Speaking of which, this boasts fragrant jerk marinades and slowly simmered curries. You can also wash down these dishes with a tropical cocktail or two. Good times are guaranteed.

Head Chef James Cochran is former chef at The Ledbury and has starred in the BBC’s Great British Menu. 12:51 is his restaurant and can be found on Upper Street in Islington. The menu (which changes frequently) is described as “modern British”, drawing inspiration from James’ Scottish and Vincentian roots. The format of the offering is largely geared around small plates, in the “sharing style” — where five- and eight-course menus are served (both available as vegetarian). Watch out for his dessert; Jamaican ginger fondant, stout glaze, roast pineapple ice cream and pimento crumble. Oof, in a word!

Rudie’s in Dalston proved to be so popular, a second space was opened in Boxpark Shoreditch. This place is all about Jamaican cuisine with tapas-style dishes, meaning you won’t get food envy at the table. Some of the most popular plates include the likes of goat curry, signature real jerk chicken and the legendary Boss Burger. The drinks here are pretty popular too. Look out for their punches, which range from Guinness punch to peanut punch and tropical fruit punch.