Story & photo: John Mellor
Jerky's Jamalicious has recently opened at the Spital Hill Plaza and specialises in freshly prepared jerk chicken prepared on an original Caribbean jerk pan.
Jerky's inspiration to open a take-away came when he was caring for a disabled child and discovered the child enjoyed jerk chicken. He began to invite family and friends to share in jerk meals which provided company for the child when he couldn't get out.
A friend said to him:
“There are lots of good food outlets in Spital Hill and the area is known for thisthroughout the city, but there are no outlets that specialise in jerk chicken."
Jerky says:
“This gave me the idea and after much research and encouragement from the community I decided to open a take away that would welcome everyone in our multicultural community and also encourage people to come in from other parts of the city."
The chickens are cooked outside under a gazebo and this creates an outdoor ‘Caribbean continental style’ atmosphere. The appetising BBQ smell attracts customers along the length of Spital Hill and beyond. Jerk chicken certainly has a uniquely delicious flavour and is just one of several menu options available at the take away. At present it is open every Friday evening and on Saturdays from lunch time onwards, but hopefully in the future these opening times will be extended.