BARBS BRINGS BAJAN FLAVOUR, BIG ENERGY & SERIOUSLY GOOD VIBES TO SHOREDITCH

By Tanya Howard | Founder, The Live Review London · @glamglitzlondon | Press Invite

Stepping into Barbs at Queen of Hoxton feels like walking straight into a slice of Barbados tucked inside one of Shoreditch’s iconic venues. I’ve been to Queen of Hoxton plenty of times for rooftop takeovers and nights out, but this was my first visit where the star of the show was the food. And honestly, Barbs has come in HOT.

We were invited down to try a selection of dishes from their brand-new restaurant on the ground floor. Yes, ground floor… don’t be like us and trek all the way up the stairs only to realise you’ve gone entirely the wrong way. Once we made it, though, the evening was full of good vibes and even better plates.

SAVOURY HIGHLIGHTS, BAJAN CLASSICS & THE DISHES YOU NEED TO ORDER

I have to start with the Bajan Fishcakes. Fried, fluffy, absolute perfection, and hands-down my favourite thing from the night. Even though I was borderline full by the end, I still would’ve found space for a couple more if someone had brought them over. The kind of dish that makes you wish you could sneak a takeaway box home. They’re that good.

I also tried two flavours of the BARBS Wings: BBQ and Souse (lime glaze). The BBQ stole my heart. The Souse was bright and citrusy, very lime-forward, which wasn’t really our thing. But I can see it appealing to someone who loves tangy flavours. Another standout was the BFC Burger. Bajan fried chicken thighs stacked with soused cucumber, crispy onions, and more Fancy Sauce. Properly crispy, properly juicy, properly delicious.

My friend tried the BFF Burger (fried cod), Pumpkin Fritters, and Corn on the Cob, and the burger was her number one. I didn’t manage to steal a bite, but don’t worry, we already have a return visit in the diary. When you’re booking your next trip before you’ve even left, you know a place is doing something right.

GOOD COCKTAILS, GREAT MUSIC & AUTHENTIC BAJAN VIBES

We sipped on Rum Punch, which is always a winner. And we gave the Mango & Thyme cocktail a try, though we weren’t totally sold on that one. The DJ absolutely delivered! We walked in to Gyal You A Party Animal by Charley Black. It lives on my Spotify On Repeat, so straight away I knew the vibes were going to be good.

My friend Char, who is half Bajan, was excited to try somewhere serving proper Bajan flavours. She loved it too and is coming back with me for round two. She’s already shouting about it on socials and telling the family about it. Which is basically the ultimate stamp of approval and made the night feel a proper success.

Barbs brings something genuinely fresh to Shoreditch. The recipes are authentic, cooked with family techniques, and the flavours punch in all the right ways. The restaurant space matches the energy of the food perfectly. It’s warm, fun, soulful food that makes you want to sit down, dig in, and stay a while.

Whether you’re craving something different or love Caribbean flavours, Barbs at Queen of Hoxton won’t disappoint. It’s also the perfect spot for a fun night out with good food and great vibes. And trust me, get the fishcakes. You can thank me later!

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