Will Smith Spices Up Camden Town with a Visit to Roger’s Kitchen

Last week, a Caribbean gem in Camden Town had its windows blacked out for a very special guest. Will Smith, the beloved star of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, dropped by Roger’s Kitchen for a hearty lunch before his performance outside King’s Cross station with DJ AG.

A Celebrity Surprise

Roger Shakes, the owner of Roger’s Kitchen, received a discreet call from Smith’s team the day before. Initially, they placed a large takeout order, but soon after, they revealed that the star himself would be visiting the restaurant. “I knew it was someone big because I’ve dealt with celebrities before, especially when they ask about back entrances and blacking out windows,” Roger shared with a chuckle.

When Will arrived, Roger was thrilled but didn’t realize he was about to meet an Oscar winner. “I had a chat with Will and we shook hands. He was very appreciative of the food,” Roger recalled. “I told him that I watched him in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air when I was around ten, and he smiled.”

A Taste of Home

Will Smith enjoyed a delicious goat curry, a signature dish at Roger’s Kitchen. “He ate quickly and spent a lot of time on the sofa because he said he was very tired,” Roger noted. The restaurant is no stranger to celebrity visits; it’s a favorite spot for artists like Emeli Sandé and Big Zuu. Roger even catered for Ashley Walters’ wedding!

Roger’s Kitchen: A Culinary Legacy

Roger Shakes isn’t just a chef; he’s part of a culinary legacy. He is the cousin of the late Derek Blake, who ran the iconic Mango Room restaurant near Camden Town. After being the original chef there, Roger opened Roger’s Kitchen in 2020, pouring his heart into every dish. “I’ve been cooking since I was 12. I come from a big family,” he explained. “In Jamaica, you show love through food. I love making people happy, and I cannot cook small. I like to give loads of food.”

Challenges in the Kitchen

Despite the joy of cooking, Roger faces challenges as a restaurant owner. “Things are good, but it is hard,” he admitted. Rising costs for electricity and gas have made it tough to keep prices reasonable. “People ask why the food has become more expensive, but it’s because the price of produce has gone up, and the bills are sky-high. We’re surviving here, but I know there are other places in Camden that are not.”

Celebrating Success

Roger’s Kitchen has recently been recognized as the best Caribbean restaurant in 2023, and next month, they’ll celebrate five successful years in business. “Cooking is my love language,” Roger said, beaming with pride.

As Will Smith savored the flavors of the Caribbean, he not only enjoyed a meal but also connected with the heart of Camden Town. With Roger’s Kitchen thriving amidst challenges, one can’t help but wonder: who will be the next celebrity to savor the love served on a plate?