Natty's Jerk Kitchen is a well-loved food business whether that be as a truck down on the seafront or a pop-up at Victorious and even smashing the takeaway status around Portsmouth, offering the best tasting jerk chicken that money can buy. Our love of this family-run business has grown over the last 3 years right from when it started in the Outside-In court and then developed into the community food-loving vibe it is today. All this growth stems from being such a lovely family-friendly crew that wants to deliver us fresh-tasting Caribbean food that we can enjoy but also offer a community vibe to go with it.
Describing his venture Natty said “We are a family-run Caribbean 'food experience' business. The reason we call it a food experience is that we really believe it's our duty to spread the tastes, culture, and our love of the Caribbean with everyone by creating an extensive sensory approach in the delivery and presentation of our food, to conjure an atmosphere filled with rich exciting flavours, combined with music and conversation to transport you to the destinations of warm tropical climates, something which we know we can deliver.”
We all know the struggles that lots of businesses have had since the pandemic and Natty's Jerk Kitchen has tried to find a way of carrying on producing the tastiest food for us by either working from home or from a temporary location on Albert Road. Having all this experience has led to the decision of needing a permanent space that will stand for years to come and delight the city. The Natty crew have been fortunate enough to have gained access to an area of land in Portsmouth, close to the heart of Southsea, within footfall of Guildhall Square. It sits directly opposite Portsmouth and Southsea Station and already has a semi-converted shipping container currently positioned on a site, almost ready to rock and roll!
This location has all the vibes but the structure and surrounding area needs work and we all know that costs money. Ideas have turned into well thought out plans where there will be a chance to install decking as a base for the foundation that will support outdoor seating, create a shelter from the elements and secure a temperate environment with heat lamps and final touches like warm throws for the chilly evenings. All this vision incorporates the characteristic feeling of Caribbean nightlife on the beach and might even include a palm tree or two.
Natty's Jerk Kitchen wants to turn this place opposite the train station into a lively centralised dining hub, benefiting the community and creating an inclusive destination point that can offer a literal taste of diversity and culture. Collaboration is a huge part of Natty's life and you can tell that friendships, support for others play a huge part in the Jerk Kitchen ethos. Because of this Natty wants to work with local creatives to create art as well as add a vibrant aesthetic to the area surrounding the permanent structure.
The team is ready to warmly welcome the crowds for the food, the vibe, and the experience but just needs a little help to get there. Right now the crowdfund is halfway to its target which is amazing news and with your help can make the necessary funds to make all this happen. By donating whatever you can to the crowdfund you will help bring an independent, well-loved eaterie a new lease of life and be the heart of the food community.
Have a look at the crowdfunding page to find out more and click here to listen to Natty on the podcast Episode 16, talk about his family history and how his family recipes come all the way from the Caribbean and his family roots. A great listen 🙂
