A Caribbean Day Out

Raggae Rum Punch. Copyright Cottons Restaurant

Breakfast

Start at Brixton Hill. You’ll be tempted by lots of sumptuous foodstuffs on your trip today, so line your stomach in one of Brixton's many cafes. Kick off with breakfast at Negril on Brixton Hill either for food, a fresh fruit smoothie or Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

Morning

A 10-minute walk away is Brixton Market, famous for its Caribbean influence. Experience the unique buzz and pick up some fresh fish, like red snapper, or fruit and vegetables, like yams, sweet potato, plantain and mangos. Take a stroll around the adjacent streets to get a feel of what Brixton's really like. Atlantic Road boasts 2 lovely bakeries: Atlantic Bakery and 1st Choice bakery, so take a snack break at one of these.

Lunch

Head into the West End for lunch at Mr Jerk on Wardour Street. You'll find good filling authentic dishes here; treat yourself to a Guinness punch!

Afternoon

Check out Harlesden (Willesden Junction Tube/rail), the hub of North London's Caribbean community and the centre of London's reggae industry. Check out the Hawkeye Record Store on Craven Park Road, one of the best in the area. Then drop into the Mahogany Carnival Arts workshop, where you can see – and buy – exclusive costumes designed for the Notting Hill Carnival.

Evening

Head over to Camden Town for some dinner. Try the award-winning Mango Room opposite the Tube station (best to book), or Cottons further up Chalk Farm Road. If it's DJs, dancing or dub you want, check out nights at Caribbean Renaissance at Brockwell's Wine Bar every Tuesday or Til Shiloh at the Fridge, every Monday.

If dining and dancing isn't your thing, head over to Mare Street in Hackney and check out the bill at the Hackney Empire, the beautifully-restored 1901 music hall, which now plays host to a variety of stand-ups and theatre companies.