Brunching has become a favourite pastime for young professionals and sociable folk in the past few years, with opportunities for casually enjoying food and drink with friends at nearly every turn. From occasional pop-up events, to established weekly fixings at major restaurant branches, the world has gone brunch crazy!
However, with the wealth of brunches out there, how do you stand out and make your brunch event unique? Carib & Co Brunch has an idea how: by combining a tasty culinary experience with enriching and entertaining moments to remember.
Described as an ‘exquisite experience of food, fashion, poetry, music, comedy with a hint of financial education and empowerment’, the Carib and Co Brunch, last held on 28th June at The Geo Bar in Eastcote, was a successful evening of conversation, entertainment and Caribbean food provided by Caribbean Eatery.
Hosted by Judi Love, the Carib & Co brunch included comedy from Axel Blake and guest speeches from Niaomi Collett, from Money Talks Education, and Cephas Williams, the founder of campaign 56 Black Men, which aims to challenge negative stereotypes unfairly attributed to black men.
Founded by secondary school teacher Jade Weir-Reid, the Carib & Co Brunch came from her desire to combine entertainment with an opportunity to educate and empower her peers.
‘I found that in the black community, there were many comedy events but not enough events that give you inspiration or education on finances, or mortgages,’ she explains. ‘So, I came up with an idea of creating an event where not only people can have fun and be entertained but can also be inspired and empowered at the same time.’
With spoken word from Terrell the Poet and Careen Latoya, fashion displays from MajestyNo8, Hummbirks and Roiretni and live music courtesy of JM, Rosca Nini Zullu, DJ Pizzle, DJ Rorz and DJ Lawless Sound, it was a wide-ranging and successful event with something to suit everyone’s tastes.
‘The event was all about bringing the black community together and supporting success and talent, while also providing a platform for up and coming artists and small businesses,’ says Jade – and it seems as if this goal was achieved, and surpassed. Small businesses included mortgage broker Nathan Simmonds, Mary KM and Nu-E55ence.
The next Carib & Co Brunch is currently in the planning stages, and according to Jade, it’s only set to get bigger and better with time. ‘We hope to bring the Empowerment and Entertainment Network to all backgrounds, race, culture and religion and cater to a bigger audience,’ she says – and we can’t wait to see what happens next!
Keep an eye on @caribandcobrunch on Instagram for details on when the next one will be held – it’ll surely be an event not to be missed!
