Barbados is often called the "foodie capital of the Caribbean," yet its cuisine remains relatively unknown in the UK. While Caribbean food has been growing in popularity, it’s often dominated by Jamaican jerk-style dishes. Barbs aims to change that by showcasing the full depth of Bajan cooking.
"Rihanna is proof that Barbados has a unique cultural voice that resonates globally," says Wright. "Barbs is here to do the same in food."
The menu features classic Bajan dishes, including fried chicken and fish marinated in a mild, herb-packed seasoning, traditional fishcakes served with homemade pepper sauce, macaroni pie (the Bajan take on mac and cheese), and souse, a pickled pork or chicken dish served cold.
Head Chef Amanda Powell says the goal is to show the UK that Caribbean food is more than just spice and heat. "We are not just another Caribbean food brand. Barbs highlights the full depth of Bajan and Caribbean cuisine."
Launching through Deliveroo Editions allows Barbs to scale quickly, serving freshly made Bajan dishes straight to customers’ doors. The brand is kicking things off in South East London, an area known for its diverse and food-loving communities.
Unlike many independent Caribbean restaurants, Barbs has been designed from the ground up for growth. The company plans to expand through more dark kitchens and bricks-and-mortar locations across the UK, while also rolling out a retail range of Bajan-inspired sauces, marinades, and meal kits in supermarkets. Franchising and international expansion are also part of the long-term vision.
"While we are a small operation today, we are creating a fast-casual brand that aspires to be the next Nando’s," Wright says. "The infrastructure, branding, and business model are all designed for scale. With a vision to become an iconic global brand, Barbs is just getting started."
The team is already exploring new locations, retail partnerships, and influencer collaborations to bring Bajan food to a wider audience.
"This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a movement to showcase what Barbados has to offer."