ABTA Brings Antigua and Barbuda’s Culinary Excellence to the UK with Twin-Island Showcase

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) brought Caribbean warmth and creativity to the United Kingdom last week with two intimate culinary showcases honouring the talents of Antiguan chef Kareem Roberts and Barbudan chef Keshia Sakarah. Held alongside World Travel Market 2025, the events highlighted the islands’ rising profile as a destination for world-class food experiences.

Organised by Cherrie Osborne, ABTA’s Director of Tourism for the UK & Europe, the first dinner took place on November 6 at The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge, where Chef Roberts, currently based at the venue, prepared a bespoke tasting menu blending traditional Antiguan flavours with modern techniques. Guests also received an exclusive preview of his upcoming debut cookbook, Cassava & Cardamom, inspired by the heritage and soul of Antiguan cuisine.

The following evening, Chef Keshia Sakarah hosted a second intimate dinner at The Pilgrim Hotel in Paddington. Known for her storytelling, cultural advocacy, and culinary innovation, Sakarah treated guests to a refined pan-Caribbean tasting menu shaped by her travels and Barbudan roots. The event celebrated the recent release of her acclaimed cookbook, Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History.

ABTA CEO Colin C. James praised both chefs for embodying the authenticity, creativity and pride of Antigua and Barbuda. He noted that the events showcased the depth of the twin-island nation’s culinary talent while strengthening its appeal as a destination where culture, innovation and cuisine thrive alongside natural beauty.

Spanning Cambridge to London, ABTA’s culinary activations reaffirmed its mission to broaden the narrative of Caribbean tourism, highlighting not just beaches and landscapes, but the stories, artistry, and flavours that define Antigua and Barbuda’s people.