Join TV’s Ainsley Harriott in celebrating African Caribbean Food

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott is the special guest of a launch event to kick off African Caribbean Food Month.

Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture continues and upcoming highlights include a programme of events as part of the council’s Black History 365 programme.

On Thursday, 2 October, TV chef Harriott will take part in an in-conversation interview exploring how his Caribbean heritage shaped his culinary career. The event will also include a panel of chefs redefining African Caribbean cuisine in the UK, with opportunities for guests to sample dishes prepared by local businesses.

African Caribbean Food Month will continue with cooking workshops, supper clubs, pop-up shops, community cookouts and live demonstrations. There will also be activities in schools and family hubs and library storytelling sessions for children and young people. It is free to attend, but advanced booking is essential.

Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “From the Windrush generation seeking refuge in the Clapham South underground to the African female warriors recognised by Dahomey Road in Tooting, Wandsworth is littered with evidence of its African and Caribbean history.

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"We know food brings people together, elicits sharing and storytelling and so we’re keen to celebrate food of the African diaspora as part of our year as London Borough of Culture. African Caribbean Food Month will be a real feast for all the senses, and we’re keen to get all of the Wandsworth community involved in this delicious month.”

Local people are asked to submit their favourite family recipes for an African Caribbean Heritage Recipe Book. Submission boxes will be available in local libraries and at the Town Hall from Tuesday, 8 September, or email them to Wandsworth Heritage Service.

The event would also like to showcase local community organisations, schools and businesses interested in running an event as part of African Caribbean Food Month.