Black History Month in the UK is in full swing and its the perfect month to travel to London Town for a black AF experience.
London is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities with strong influences from West Africa and the Caribbean. Black Brits from all backgrounds have made major contributions to UK history and culture through food, art, and business.
If you’re heading to London Town this month or live in this royal city, head to these black-owned businesses to celebrate the UK’s Black History Month.
Where To Eat And Drink
Negril
Located in south London’s notoriously black neighborhood of Brixton is where you can find an abundance of Caribbean food with the best, of course, being Negril.
According to Negril’s website, their food is “based on traditional Caribbean recipes”.
The restaurant has been a Brixton staple for the past 10 years and continues to serve up mouth-watering jerk chicken.
Other must-try dishes include the Negril platter, curry platter, and ackee and saltfish.
Fish, Wings & Things
Another south London gem that is worth visiting is Fish, Wings & Things in Brixton. The owner and chef, Brian Danclair, is of Trinidadian descent and translates his culture into the food served at the restaurant.
The codfish fritters and stew oxtail are amongst our favorite dishes here. They also sell homemade pepper sauce you can take home.
Ikoyi
Experience Nigerian cuisine on a high-end tip at this southwest London restaurant.
Head here for dinner, with a tasting menu that changes daily.
You never know what you’ll be getting but we can assure you it’s absolutely delicious.
Dark Sugars
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Dark Sugars, located in the ultra-hip area of Shoreditch. The chocolates served here are made with Ghanaian cocoa beans and there are even vegan options!
Their hot chocolates are luxuriously rich and rated the best hot chocolate in London.
Prince of Peckham
This pub is dedicated to the people of south London by the people of south London.
You and your crew can get lit with their many options of beers, cocktails, and wines.
There is also a brunch menu, weekly menu, and Sunday specials offering Caribbean classics with a spin such as their jerk McMuffin and curry goat croquette.
Where To Shop
Shea Butter Cottage
This brand “takes great pride in ethically sourcing high-quality ingredients directly from farmers/producers or through community projects.”
Here you can find toiletries, oils, herbs, candles, natural soaps and more, sourced straight from the motherland.
Frank Horn
Head to East London for bespoke leather goods at Frank Horn.
Using vegetable tanned leather, each item is designed and crafted in-house. You can find everything here from small wallets and cardholders to leather journals and briefcases.
New Beacon Books
If you’re looking for a good book to read, head to New Beacon Books, the first black-owned bookstore in the UK.
Opened by a Trinidadian man by the name of John La Rose in 1966, New Beacon Books is the ultimate destination to get books about the black experience in Britain.
Arts And Culture
Black History Walks
These guided walks will give you insight into the history of Africans in London.
Lasting about two hours, you can choose from 10 different walks such as Ancient African Architecture, African Influence On European Romance, African Female Resistance Leaders, and more.
You can also request private walking tours.
Black Cultural Archives
According to its website, “Black Cultural Archives is the only national heritage center dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain.”
There are various exhibitions throughout the year by black artists sharing their views of being black in the UK and beyond.
Entry is free but special exhibitions will cost around $5.