Jamaican cooks share how they turned a passion for food into a new Doncaster business

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Shelly’s Pot has only been in business for four months but they are already struggling to keep up with demand for their Jamaican food.

Colliston Edwards Jr runs the business with his mum Shelly Parks from their home in Wheatley.

He said: “It’s always been in the back of our minds to try something like this.

Colliston Edwards Jr with mum Shelly Parks. Together they run Shelly's Pot.

“My mum is always being told by friends and family to pursue cooking and we thought this year was the perfect time to try.

“We honestly thought that at first it would just be people we knew ordering the food but it has been crazy.

“Oftentimes we run out of food and we get angry messages from people who have missed out.”

Colliston who has been managing the new business says that he is surprised at the wide range of customers that they have received from all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Some of the dishes include: jerk chicken, curried goat and ox tail.

“Food helps to build cultural bridges,” he continued.

“It’s been great to see a mix of English and Jamaican people interested in our food.”

Both Colliston and Shelly were born in Jamaica and want to share dishes such as jerk chicken and curried goat with people in Doncaster.

They also sell banana fritters, fried dumplings, oxtail and mac and cheese.

The business has only been going for four months but is already selling out due to popularity.

He says that the main difference with Caribbean food is the amount of strong flavours used in dishes.

Shelly marinates her meats over night and uses big flavour combinations to give her food a real kick.

In the future, the family duo have high hopes of expanding and dream of one day opening a restaurant.

“We hope that we prove that we can have a cultural food landscape here in Doncaster,” he continued.

“That people are interested and enthusiastic about Caribbean food.

“We’ve shown that it’s possible to not only succeed but to thrive here.”

Standard meals are priced at £10 and delivery within Doncaster is free.

You can visit their Facebook page here for more information on ordering food.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.