Carnival Vibes and Caribbean Flavors at The Lone Fisherman

 

There’s something about the Notting Hill Carnival that brings out the best in everyone—the colors, the music, the energy. But if you ask my friend, the true highlight of Carnival season starts way before the dancing begins. It starts in Tooting Market, at a little spot called The Lone Fisherman.

Picture this: It’s the day of the Carnival, and my friend and her crew are hyped up and ready to hit the streets. But before they even think about stepping foot into Notting Hill, there’s one crucial pit stop they need to make. “We had to get our fix of Jerk Chicken and Jerk Ribs from The Lone Fisherman,” she tells me, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

And honestly, she’s not wrong. Chris, the owner and chef at The Lone Fisherman, is a master when it comes to crafting mouth-watering Caribbean dishes. The aroma of freshly cooked jerk chicken wafts through the market, pulling in passersby like a siren song. It’s impossible to resist.

“We walked into the market, and the smell hit us immediately,” my friend said, her eyes widening as she relived the moment. “You could smell the spices, the smoky flavor—honestly, our mouths were watering before we even saw the menu!”

Once they reached the stall, they didn’t waste any time. The choice was clear: a generous serving of Jerk Chicken and Jerk Ribs, cooked to perfection. The chicken was juicy, the ribs tender, and both were packed with that signature jerk seasoning that hits all the right notes—spicy, savory, with a hint of sweetness. “It’s the kind of food that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every bite,” she laughed.

But it wasn’t just about the food. The vibe at The Lone Fisherman made the experience even better. Chris is the kind of guy who loves what he does, and it shows. He’s always up for a chat, sharing stories with customers while expertly grilling up his signature dishes. “He was so friendly, asking us about our Carnival plans and even recommending his favorite spots to check out,” my friend recalled.

After their feast, they grabbed a few bottles of Chris’s homemade Scotch Bonnet & Lime sauce to go—because once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to put it on everything. Then, with their bellies full and their spirits high, they made their way to Notting Hill, ready to dance the night away.

By the time I met up with my friend post-Carnival, she couldn’t stop talking about it. “Honestly, the Carnival was amazing, but that Jerk Chicken from The Lone Fisherman? That was the real star of the day!” she said, grinning from ear to ear.

So, next time you’re gearing up for a big day out—or just craving some authentic Caribbean flavors—make sure to swing by The Lone Fisherman in Tooting Market. Whether you’re a fan of classic Jerk Chicken, succulent Jerk Ribs, or something a little more adventurous like Escovitch Fish, Chris has you covered. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before hitting the Carnival, or any time you want to add a little Caribbean spice to your life.