In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, it has become evident that there's a lot more we could all be doing to support and promote Black businesses, voices and experiences.
At ROUGH, we wanted to do our part by amplifying our favourite black owned restaurants and businesses, from drool-worthy African and Caribbean cuisines to desserts, chocolates and even shisha!
One for the sweet tooths! Dark Sugars is one of the great little finds in Brick Lane, London. This chocolate emporium consists of two branches, both serving exceptional hot chocolate and a large selection of handmade Ghanaian chocolate! Stop by either of the branches to grab some chocolate truffles, pearls, vegan treats.
DARKSUGARS.CO.UK
Based in Barnet, North London, the award-winning Truth Lounge offers shisha and quality interpretations of classic African, American and Caribbean dishes against a classy but modern multi-level restaurant. Expect tasty plates, affordable prices, friendly service and good vibes all around!
TRUTHLOUNGEUK.COM
One of our personal favourite West African restaurants in London! Their Jollof is pretty much unmatched. Based in Dalston, Aso-Rock Restaurant is a family business that prides itself on producing the most flavoursome high quality authentic Nigerian dishes.
ASOROCKFOOD.COM
Drawing inspiration from Caribbean Ital and European recipes, Eat of Eden serves up a mouth-watering selection of fresh and organic flavour packed West Indian vegan and plant-based food. The food here is ‘made with love’ to produce a home cooked feeling that's delicious enough to be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike! Keep an eye out for the re-opening of their Lewisham and Brixton branches too!
EATOFEDEN.CO.UK
If you're looking to lay your eyes on some of the most exquisite Nigerian cuisine and to introduce your taste buds to a list of menu items that will leave you salivating for more, then Enish is the spot you want to visit! The Restaurant Bar & Grill offers a tasty, modern menu and dishes that are freshly prepared in their on-site kitchen, using fresh locally sourced organic produce. Be sure to stop by any of their four branches in Lewisham, Croydon, Finchley Road, or Ilford.
ENISH.CO.UK
This Surrey based restaurant serves up a smorgasbord of seafood, wines, cocktails, meats and the finest wagyu burger! There’s also a large Sunday roast platter available for collection or delivery so you can spoil yourself with an indulgent dining experience at the comfort of your own home.
LOBSTERANDGRILL.CO.UK
We stumbled across
Kaz’s Instagram
page and fell in love with her feed! This young chef is a bakery wiz, offering an incredible range of birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookies and desserts. Expect to see notorious mega cake concoctions, an endless selection of the most colourful bakery treats and also savoury foods, which you can see on her new Instagram page @kookedbykaz.
If you’ve been along Dalston’s Kingsland Road, you’ve probably spotted the vivid red Jollof Box sign with the tagline “Gourmet African Cuisine” - it's pretty unmissable. The family run business sells a delicious and celebratory authentic cuisine of the West African diaspora with a menu that includes jollof rice (naturally, an old family recipe) beef and chicken stews, black-eyed bean and sweetcorn casserole, and ALOT of plantain. There’s also a good selection of Vegan and Halal dishes available.
JOLLOFBOX.CO.UK
The Laagha's Instagram page embodies gluttonous #FOODPORN and we’re here for it! Think chicken & waffle sandwiches, succulent bbq wings, messy cheesy waffle beef burgers and stuffed meaty and plantain bagels…drooling yet? Based in Thornton Heath, South London, Laaghas offers a wide range of sandwiches and fillings to suit everyone and their taste buds!
LAAGHAS.COM
Prince of Peckham is your new go-to pub. The venue brings together the cultural values of South London whilst incorporating the traditional values of a great boozer. With the local community as its priority, Prince of Peckham holds a range of regular events and plays host to an exciting and ongoing line-up of hearty Caribbean food from residents ‘White Men Can’t Jerk’, drinks, music.
PRINCEOFPECKHAM.CO.UK
