Supporting Black History Month in London

James Cochran has done it all. Having trained at the two-Michelin-starred The Ledbury (after beginning his foray in cooking at an oyster bar in his hometown of Whitstable), James went on to run the kitchen at Michelin-starred gastropub, The Harwood Arms. He opened 12:51 in 2018, the same year he won the BBC’s Great British Menu cooking competition (and has since gone on to win again in 2020), as well as achieving the London Chef of the Year award. It comes as no surprise, then, that his food is completely knock-out. The restaurant offers two different tasting menus – one completely vegetarian, as well as a roast dinner menu each Sunday. Highlights include BBQ Cornish Curried Hake, served with Sweet Potato and Crispy Chicken Wing, and vegetarians will love the Wild Mushrooms with Sherry, Truffle Butter, Egg Yolk and Garlic. At just £25 per person, the Sunday roast is hard to beat — finish with the Scottish Raspberries served with Rolled-Oat Custard and Whisky Black Pepper.

This south London eatery is a buzzing hotspot. Small, informal, and super friendly, Trap Kitchen is known for serving up huge portions of what they call ‘Soul Food’. From creamy Mac n’ Cheese, Sticky Chicken Thighs, and Lobster Tails to platters of Bang Bang Prawns and Waffles — we promise you won’t leave hungry! Prices are reasonable (especially when you consider the generous serving size), and veggie options are available. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Head to Chuku’s and you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from friendly staff, a seriously banging playlist, and food that makes it difficult to leave. The small plates of authentic Nigerian tapas are designed for sharing, but as you indulge in their Beef Ayamase (pulled beef in a spicy green pepper sauce), Plantain Waffle and Honey Suya Prawns — you might not want to! Leave room for the Yam Brownie (vegan and gluten free) and soak up the lively atmosphere.

This family-owned restaurant has been serving up authentic Caribbean food (intermingled with classic British favourites) for almost a decade. Loved by celebs, locals, and tourists alike, Caribbean Kitchen has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There’s a lunch menu served each day from 12pm- 2pm, which includes the likes of Curried Chicken, Curried Goat, Braised Oxtail and Butter Beans. There’s also plenty in the way for veggies and vegans — we like the Chickpea and Sweet Potato Curry and the Vegetable Patties. Prices are reasonable and the service is slick. Not one to miss.

The Treats Club describes themselves as ‘female owned, female led and run by black girl magic’ — and we couldn’t agree more! This hot doughnut bar (yes, you heard us correctly), started out as a takeaway service, but last year opened its first permanent spot in Hackney. All the doughnuts are cooked to order, and totally customisable. Choose your glaze (options include salted caramel, vanilla bean and Nutella) and toppings (there’s Oreo, sprinkles, Charms cereal and more). That’s not all: there are also sundaes, shakes, ice cream bars and more. Yum!