Meet Carib Eats – the Black Cultural Centre’s new operator

Carib Eats’ residency at the centre – which is an inclusive space for residents from Black African and Caribbean heritage to come together – started with a launch event on Wednesday, 12 February. The launch event featured London-based DJ AG performing a live DJ set.

Over the next three months, Carib Eats will bring weekly community canteens offering home-cooked meals, as well as entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence workshops. They will also offer supper clubs with guest chefs, and poetry and spoken word nights.

Their mission is to create a welcoming space that reflects the culture and needs of Islington’s Black community.

Ali Kakande, founder of Carib Eats, said: “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.”

Islington’s Black Cultural Centre formally opened last November and, for its first year, four different organisations are taking it over for three months at a time.

The first organisation was Black History Studies, which ran the centre from its launch in November until Carib Eats took over. Run by husband-and-wife team Mark and Charmaine Simpson, Black History Studies transformed the centre into a vibrant and inclusive hub.

Through workshops, educational lectures, and a community cinema programme, they celebrated Black culture while addressing key topics such as health and wellness, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and much more. 

Cllr Sheila Chapman, Executive Member for Equalities, Communities and Inclusion, said: "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."

For more information on upcoming events, please visit Carib Eat's website.