Through the years, Natty has built loyalty, trust and dedication to serving consistently great food to the local community of Portsmouth. Now with his incredible jerk chicken reaching new heights in both Brighton and, more recently, Selfridges in London, we decided to shine a spotlight on this and celebrate this local success story.
What began as a small, personal food venture has grown into one of Portsmouth’s most recognisable independent kitchens, rooted firmly in his Jamaican culture. Natty’s approach to food has always been about sharing his heritage, the focus is on the way people are greeted with big open arms, the Caribbean vibes you get when diners visit his shack in the middle of the city centre; he’s not just serving meals, he’s feeding a community of people wanting those Jamaican flavours. Of course, it’s the menu and the quality of the food which sits at the heart of everything he does, but it is the feeling of being part of something special that keeps people coming back. Where else would you find a mock-up of a Jamaican beach as part of the restaurant, with a roof over the beach in the winter months but fully removable when the warmer months in Portsmouth creep in.
Long before the business found its permanent home, Natty was already a familiar presence at local food venues and events. His cooking created the ultimate party vibe with his open kitchen designs and the jerk chicken smells and spices providing the natural gathering point for social gatherings, places where strangers to the business became regulars and regulars became friends. Over time, that connection expanded beyond the food, extending into community events, fundraisers and collaborations that strengthened the city’s independent food scene.
That impact became especially visible recently when the Portsmouth Foodguide put together a short piece of video content celebrating Natty, this reached more than 310,000 people across online social platforms. It was a reminder that stories grounded in real people and real places have maximum impact and plenty of interest.
The JAM’ISH Breakfast is a standout for me and a great way to celebrate this man’s journey; the dish brings together jerk sausage, bacon, eggs, callaloo, pan roasted tomatoes, plantain and baked beans, with a choice of toasted bread or muffins, plus an optional plantain hash to have on the side as an extra. Alongside it, locally roasted coffee from Bubblehead Barista completes the experience.
The space itself reflects the spirit behind the food. Lively without being too overwhelming, plus being welcoming without feeling forced. Natty and his team have created an environment where people feel seen, whether they are popping in for a quick breakfast or settling in for a longer visit.
Natty’s Jerk has built a reputation which has been carefully built through caring for the local community, Jamaican culture and a genuine commitment to the incredible experience felt by every customer who walks into the shack. In a city full of character, it stands as a reminder that the most lasting places are shaped by people who cook with purpose.
So I encourage everyone to visit this incredible place, positioned opposite the Portsmouth and Southsea train station.
