A bold new fast-casual dining brand has arrived in London, as Barbs launches through Deliveroo Editions, bringing a modern and scalable approach to Bajan cuisine. Founded by entrepreneur Nicc Wright, Barbs is setting out to redefine Caribbean food in the UK, using a delivery-first strategy to pave the way for brick-and-mortar locations and retail partnerships.
Barbs celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Barbados, often referred to as the “food capital of the Caribbean”, yet still largely unknown to UK diners. More than just great food, Barbados is home to global cultural icons like Rihanna, whose love for her Bajan heritage has inspired millions. Barbs seeks to channel that same passion, blending authenticity with creativity to introduce the UK to the true flavours of Barbados.
“Rihanna is proof that Barbados has a unique cultural voice that resonates globally,” says Nicc Wright, Founder of Barbs. “Barbs is here to do the same in food.”
Although Caribbean cuisine has gained popularity in the UK, the market has been dominated by Jamaican jerk-style dishes. With the UK’s appetite for diverse, high-quality international cuisines growing, Barbs sees an opportunity to fill the gap for Bajan food. Despite Barbados’ status as the Caribbean’s culinary capital, its cuisine remains underrepresented in the UK. Barbs is changing that, bringing a fresh perspective to Caribbean food culture.
Signature Dishes from Barbs:
- Bajan Fried Chicken / Fish – A unique twist on a classic, featuring mild, herb-infused seasoning and a crispy coating.
- Bajan Fishcakes – A beloved Bajan street food, served with homemade pepper sauce and a signature fancy sauce.
- Macaroni Pie – The Bajan version of mac & cheese, rich and comforting.
- Souse – A traditional pickled dish, served cold with pork or chicken.
“We are not just another Caribbean food brand,” says Head Chef Amanda Powell. “Barbs highlights the full depth of Bajan and Caribbean cuisine, showing the UK that there is more to Caribbean food than just spice and punchy flavours.”
Launching through Deliveroo Editions allows Barbs to scale quickly, delivering authentic Bajan dishes straight to homes across South East London, one of the city’s most diverse and food-driven communities. “Editions enables us to focus on quality and efficiency while we build our brand and prepare for bigger things,” explains Wright.
Unlike traditional Caribbean restaurants, Barbs is a tech-driven company, built with growth and scalability in mind.
Barbs’ Expansion Plans:
- More Dark Kitchens & Restaurants – Expansion into multiple UK cities.
- Retail Launch – Introducing Bajan sauces, marinades, and meal kits to supermarkets.
- Global Franchising – Bringing Bajan cuisine to an international audience.
“While we are a small operation today, we are creating a fast-casual brand that aspires to be the next Nando’s,” says Wright. “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.”
Barbs is already securing new locations, forming retail partnerships, and collaborating with influencers to introduce Bajan food to a wider audience. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a movement to share the essence of Barbados with the world.