Caribbean Delights
Credit: Ronni Allen
From TikTok fame to your taste buds: Discover the heartwarming flavours of Uncle Glenn's Caribbean. Words by Chipo Muwowo.
I first came across Uncle Glenn's, a year-old local Caribbean restaurant, via an Instagram video featuring Tiktok foodie sensation Simon Hannigan (@dadthedish). In the video, Simon walks into the restaurant and asks Alexis Collins, the owner, if he can create “one little thing.”
He then takes out an aluminium foil tray, and proceeds to create the Uncle Glenn's Dad The Dish Munchy Box, which amongst several things, includes jerk chicken, mac and cheese, and rice and peas.
The short video is lighthearted and is the most popular piece of content on the restaurant's Instagram page. It brings together two passionate foodies, and showcases the classic Caribbean dishes served at the restaurant. As a recent customer myself, the warming, delicious flavours offered up by Alexis and her team are truly delightful.
Born and raised in south London, Alexis has always had a passion for cooking and experimenting with recipes and flavours. Although she worked as a nurse for many years, she still managed to maintain an active interest in food.
“For a long time, we had been doing events and festivals around the country. Friends, family, and colleagues always told me that I should open up my own restaurant,” she tells me. “My son who was already living here spotted the opportunity and suggested we bring our flavours to Boscombe.”
Uncle Glenn's opened in August 2022 and is situated along Christchurch Road, a few doors down from St John's Anglican Church. Other popular dishes include curry goat, pepper steak, stewed chicken, vegan plantain curry, and ackee and saltfish. An original marinade created by Alexis forms the basis of most of her dishes.
For a newbie, which would she recommend? “Either the meat or vegetarian combos,” she says. “These give you a selection of a few dishes in one meal and are very popular.”
And how does her own Caribbean upbringing shape her hospitality? “Generally, Caribbean food culture is welcoming, inclusive, and homely. So I can’t get away from having that homely approach to my cooking,” she says. “I want everyone who eats what I prepare to experience good vibes, pleasure and satisfaction.”
When I ask about the future, she points out that it's still early days. “But once we are established, I think I’d like to open a second venue elsewhere so that people in other regions can broaden their horizons when it comes to food,” she says.
I've been wondering about the name Uncle Glenn's. Finally, I asked what inspired it.
“Glenn is my son,” she says. “His friends call him uncle hence the name of the restaurant!”
Instagram → @uncleglenns
