Just before London moves into autumn, Nathaniel Mortley, AKA Natty Can Cook popped up at the Double Standard to fire up the grill and serve a weekend of BBQ dishes. Two whole days of Caribbean flavours, refreshing Eminente cocktails and killer beats by Mangrove Steelband, Oxman, Hipsters Don't Dance & AQWEA.
Natty, known for his culinary dynamo with Caribbean roots and signature spices, was once living a different story. A boy from Peckham, Michelin trained who flipped his life from serving time in HMP Brixton to running his own kitchen.
Through viral cooking videos and his pop up at the Greyhound Peckham, Natty has become one to watch on London’s food scene. The proof? His brand-new spot 2210, a pan-Caribbean restaurant and bar in East Norwood where you can expect Caribbean flavours with an elevated fine dining twist.
Scroll down to discover Natty’s desert island essentials, and the beats that soundtrack his kitchen.
What is your heritage and how do you think it’s influenced your interest in food and music?
I’m mixed race, Guyanese and Bajan on my mum’s side and German Jewish on my dad’s. Food and music were always at the centre of life growing up in Peckham. The Caribbean side gave me those bold flavours, the family limes, the Soca, the Reggae, that rhythm that connects food and music. My dad’s side of the family brought another layer of culture and history so from early I understood food as more than just eating; its identity, survival and storytelling.
What dish most reminds you of cooking at home?
Roti and Curry. That’s the dish that really reminds me of family and home. The kind of food that brings everyone around the table, passing plates, tearing, sharing, talking.
Dream dinner party table?
My Granny — she’s the foundation of everything for me. Gordon Ramsay because I respect what he’s built and the levels he’s reached. Drake, for the culture and conversation. And Vybz Kartel because he represents raw energy and impact. That table would be mad.
What 3 tunes most define your life?
Beres Hammond – Rockaway
Vybz Kartel – Fever
Stormzy – Blinded by Your Grace
Most underrated Caribbean food?
Pumpkin cook up. It’s humble but when it’s done right it’s rich, nourishing and full of flavour.
You’ve got £20 to feed yourself and a date on Rye Lane, where are you going?
White Men Can’t Jerk — grab their £20 offer meal and you can’t go wrong, mate.
Which restaurant have you eaten at recently in London which has had the best music and vibe?
Akoko. I went for the 11 course tasting menu and it was banging — the food was next level and the service was a straight 10/10.
Carnival drink of choice…
Wray & Nephew with Ting, ice cold.
What song makes you stank face the most?
Lotto – W1ZZY.
Desert island ingredients (Choose 3)
Scotch bonnets (for fire and flavour), coconut (because it’s endless what you can do with it) and thyme (it runs through nearly every dish I cook).
From our Double Standard pop-ups to a whole host of antics, the fun doesn't stop there. Immerse yourself and dive into our not-so-standard world with dinner and beats at Decimo, cosy fireside chats in The Library, or late-night cocktails at Sweeties.
