After selling his very first bottle of sauce at Notting Hill Carnival, Levi Roots won a £50,000 investment on the BBC show Dragon’s Den for his Reggae Reggae sauce in 2007. He has since gone on to open up his own restaurant, Levi Roots Caribbean Smokehouse, at Westfield Stratford City. We take a look at what is has to offer below but please note, all dishes must be accompanied by a huge dollop of sauce!

 Image: Leystoner

103 The Street
Westfield Stratford City
Montfichet Road
London
E20 1EJ

Nearest tube: Stratford International (Overground)

Opening times: 12-10pm Mon-Thurs, 12-11pm Fri-Sat, 12-8pm Sun

Following the success of Levi Roots sauce brand, which now has 50 products in its portfolio, Levi has now gone onto create a vibrant restaurant located at the heart of the busy shopping centre. Located on the “terrace”in Westfield, the interior of the Caribbean Smokehouse is bright and uplifting and centred around a Caribbean beach theme. The Reggae music playing gives way to a buzzy atmosphere and overall good vibes!

Image: Levi Roots

The menu treats us to the delights of the Caribbean including classics such as; smoked jerk chicken, goat curry with rice and peas, chicken soup and ackee and saltfish all served from an authentic jerk pit. The menu also includes mouthwatering street food such as Mac n Cheese and fried dumpling, along with sharing platters (chicken, veggie and fish) that are perfect for bigger parties.

Not only is the Caribbean Smokehouse great value for money (with all sides less than £4), it has a wide selection of veggie friendly, vegan friendly and gluten free dishes. Our particular favourite, Grandma’s Veg Pot with creamy butter bean sauce!

Image: Levi Roots

In a true nod to island life, Caribbean Smokehouse’s cocktails and drinks are a delightful accompaniment to any dish (you can order either by the glass, or pitcher). Their signature Reggae Rum Punch is a powerful blend of rum, pineapple, lime juice and strawberry syrup – tropical bliss in a glass. Another classic cocktail to try is the Jamaican Mule; a lighter spiced drink focused around Ginger Beer, Jamaican Rum and fresh lime. For a non alcoholic drink, the cooling Levi’s fruit punch or Roots & Spice ‘smoodies’ are a must.

Caribbean Smokehouse is more than just food, it’s an exotic experience that goes beyond the plate. As Levi Roots said himself, ‘Put some music in your food’. This ethos is carried through the restaurant, from the servers attitude to the tunes that play in the background. A singer himself, Levi has even curated a Spotify play list to carry on the carnival vibes once you leave – open.spotify.com/user/levirootsspotify. So sit back, relax, and prepare to taste some of the wonderful dishes at the Caribbean Smokehouse.

Will you be eating at Caribbean Smokehouse in October? Let us know in the comments below!