Jamaica comes to Lindeth Howe

When things take a turn for the tropical!

At Lindeth Howe, we are excited to announce that our culinary offerings have embraced a delightful Caribbean flair! Under the creative guidance of our head chef, Ryan, the menu has been infused with vibrant Jamaican twists that reflect his rich heritage. These additions not only highlight Ryan's cultural background but also bring a unique and flavourful experience to our guests.

Ryan, our head chef, is deeply connected to his Jamaican roots and has thoughtfully curated several dishes that hold special meaning for him. One standout addition is the Polenta cake, which beautifully complements the Swordfish dish on our main course menu. Reflecting on his early experiences in the kitchen, Ryan shared, "The first time I made turned cornmeal (Polenta cake), I was just 13 years old. I used a condensed milk tin as my cooking vessel, and when it came out perfectly, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Every time I prepare it now, those wonderful memories come rushing back."

Growing up in Jamaica, Ryan is a self-taught chef who worked his way up through various kitchen roles before obtaining his chef qualifications. At the age of 23, he made the leap to the UK to further his culinary career. When asked what fuelled his passion for cooking, Ryan enthusiastically reminisced, "From watching my mum cook when I was a child to preparing meals for my family while living with my sister, I've always had this deep passion for food. I loved witnessing the joy on people's faces as they enjoyed the dishes I'd created. That experience remains the best feeling for me, even today."

When we inquired about Ryan's most cherished food memory, he instantly recalled his mother's Stewed Pork. "It was absolutely amazing! I would come home and revel in the aroma filling the house as she cooked. Even now, I continue to make it, and although the dish has naturally evolved over the years, the core of Mum's recipe remains unchanged. It's always been, and will always be, Mum's Stewed Pork in my heart."

As for the taste of home that Ryan misses the most, he immediately declared, "Grape Nut Ice Cream! It's the absolute best. If you ever find yourself in Jamaica, you simply must try it!"

Ryan has joyfully incorporated additional Caribbean influences into our menu, and we could not be more thrilled to support him in sharing his culinary heritage with our guests. As we mentioned, the swordfish dish comes elegantly paired with the Polenta cake, but there’s more to this creation than meets the eye. "In Jamaica, this dish is traditionally served with Sardines, accompanied by a thick tomato sauce," Ryan explained. "I've taken that concept and created the contemporary Swordfish dish you see on our menu today. While the tomato sauce from home has been transformed into a rich basil and tomato sauce, the Polenta cake has been modernized as well. I’ve added a hint of coconut to truly embrace the essence of the Caribbean, and it's no longer cooked in a condensed milk tin!"

Another homage to Ryan's cultural legacy comes in the form of our Jerk Chicken, which has found its way into our Jerk Chicken Caesar Salad. It's hard to think of anything more authentically Jamaican than Jerk Chicken. For those with dietary preferences, we also offer a meat-free Caesar salad, and adventurous diners can enhance their meal by adding freshly made, traditional jerk chicken to their dish!

If you’re enjoying a drink at the bar, we highly recommend treating yourself to a bowl of delectable Jamaican festivals—sweet fried dough that pairs wonderfully with Jerk Sauce (dipping optional!). These festivals make for the perfect snack to keep you energized until dinner time, or they can be included as a delightful side dish to elevate your meal.

For those seeking an even bolder taste of the Caribbean, we invite you to indulge in our Jamaican-style BBQ Pork Belly, which is artfully served alongside baby back ribs, festivals, corn on the cob, and creamy coleslaw.

While we may not have the warm Caribbean sunshine outside, we encourage you to close your eyes and imagine the sun shining down on you. One bite of our scrumptious Glazed Gammon from our light bites menu could transport you to Jamaica, where you can envision yourself basking in the tropical warmth. Admittedly, gammon might not be the most traditional Jamaican dish, but once you experience the vibrant pineapple and papaya salsa it's served with you will be transported to sunshine and sandy beaches, no matter what the weather is doing outside the window.

Call us on +44 (0) 1539445759 or email us to make your table or bedroom reservation today