Jerk City

Oh, Carribbean food. How London loves you.

For newcomers to London, it's a useful tidbit of information to know that much of London's black community is of Caribbean descent - the frenzy of activity known as the Notting Hill Carnival started out as a neighbourhood celebration from the resident Trinidadian community, who populated the sleepy avenues and green and white streets of Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill long before it became an enclave of the trendy and well-off.

And if you've ever been , you'll know that one of the greatest assets of any carnival is its food - the same food dished up at the Carnival is available at places like Jerk City and Savannah Jerk in Soho (and countless others in town) without the chaos; what's more, you won't have to queue half an hour for the loo. The interior is basic and minimal, service is unfussy, friendly and very homely (as in, they'll scold you if you're being silly, but only because they care) - it's definitely a comfortably, casual joint. But the food. Oh, glorious Caribbean food.

The standards and greatest hits of the Caribbean are all here and done well - a generous serving of amply spiced and charred jerk chicken always hits the spot, accompanied by the familiar rice and peas and greens on the side for an extra shot of flavour. Chicken is also served curried or barbequed, and favourites like curried goat and oxtail are also on the menu. Saltfish and ackee (a type of Caribbean fruit that is used in savoury dishes - it tastes a little like eggs) is excellent value, and the popular roti (an Indian flatbread) is served with a choice of curries. Round off dinner with a sweet fruit punch and you'll feel like all is well in the world.

Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 22:30, Sunday: 12:00 - 20:00. Delivery service available between 12:00 - 19:00, takeaway service also available