Former Boxer Establishes Jamaican Cuisine Business

A former boxer, now the head chef and owner of his cafes, described the operation as a deeply familial undertaking. Warren Richards established a restaurant featuring Jamaican cuisine in London’s Covent Garden in 1993, following an eye injury that prematurely concluded his boxing career. The Cafe Caribbean brand expanded its presence to Loughton, Essex, in 2020, a move that occurred after his wife and three children contributed to its increasing popularity. “Any boxer loves food, but not all boxers can cook,” Mr Richards stated to Angelle Joseph of the BBC. The culinary creations developed by the former professional boxer drew inspiration from St Catherine, his mother’s native parish in Jamaica. Mr Richards collaborated with his wife to develop a diverse menu, emphasizing that authenticity was never sacrificed. He affirmed, “We said we were going to try and keep it as authentic as possible; we weren’t going to change for nothing.” The distinctive flavors have resonated well with the local communities, and Mr Richards, who underwent chef training in his late teenage years, credited his mother for his culinary foundation. He elaborated, “She made me go to college… I didn’t love it as much as I do now, I was more sporty – either football, rugby or boxing.” “I was lucky because my mum beat it into me, I could cook for the family when I was 11.” The father of four children mentioned that his Covent Garden establishment, which currently operates at Old Spitalfields Market, originated from a friend’s suggestion. He further stated: “When I had an eye injury I stopped, I couldn’t fight any more. ” “Someone said to me ‘why don’t you open a restaurant?’, so I saw a restaurant on the Friday and I opened it on the Monday.” The head chef recounted dedicating all his efforts to ensuring the business’s prosperity, eventually involving his family in its operations. He continued, “It was hard for the family because I was always at work, working seven days a week.” “If there were eight days in a week I would do eight days just to make it work.” “When I realised [how often I was at work] I thought: ‘I’ve got to bring the family in’.” Mr Richards quipped: “Now I’m working for them.” Updates on Essex news are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are provided.