There’s something irresistible about the smell of jerk on a summer breeze - smoky, sweet, spicy - that hits you in the gut, the heart, the memory. That’s the magic Adrian conjures up daily at the West Midlands Jerk Centre (WMJC), his street food venture rooted in love, legacy and the vibrant culture of Handsworth.

Born and bred in Birmingham, Adrian’s story is one of family, flavour and fierce pride in where he comes from. “I’ve always been around food since I was little,” he shares. “It was just part of growing up – big pots, big flavours, big tunes. There was always something cooking.”

He speaks with reverence about the elders who taught him the art of jerk – that slow, soulful process of marinating, grilling, and feeding people with care. “It wasn’t just about eating,” he says, “it was about being together. I remember the sounds – the systems booming in the park, the smell of pimento in the air, people queuing up, dancing while they waited. That was Handsworth.”
 

From Handsworth Park to Hockley Social Club

Adrian’s path to founding WMJC wasn’t overnight. It started with local events, community fundraisers, family parties – anywhere he could set up a grill. His jerk chicken became a quiet legend, known not just for the taste but for the heart behind it.

“People think jerk is quick food – but nah. I marinate my meat for 24 hours minimum. Sometimes two days if I’ve got time. You’ve got to let the seasoning live in the meat,” he laughs. “That’s how you get flavour in every bite.”

Eventually, Adrian took the leap and founded West Midlands Jerk Centre – a name that nods not just to geography but to identity. “I wanted to honour the West Midlands, to bring Caribbean food out in the open with pride,” he says.

Now, WMJC pops up at some of the region’s liveliest venues, including Hockley Social Club, a transformed factory space in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, where creatives, families and foodies gather week after week.

“Hockley’s special,” Adrian says. “It brings people together – artists, students, elders, all sorts. And they come hungry. I love it. It’s the kind of space where culture thrives.”
 

A morning at the market

Adrian’s days often begin early – not in the kitchen, but at the market. “That’s where the jerk men meet,” he grins. “We don’t talk much, just nod and keep it moving. Everyone’s on the same mission – getting the freshest herbs, the right cuts, the best peppers. If it’s not fresh, it’s not jerk.”

There’s a quiet pride in that routine. It’s less about competition, more about upholding a standard. A silent agreement between cooks, rooted in tradition and respect.

“Sometimes I’ll see someone new at the market and know straight away – yep, that guy jerks.”
 

Culture on a plate

For Adrian, food is storytelling. Each bite tells of migration, music, memory. His dishes are rich with scotch bonnet heat, thyme and garlic, smoky pimento and whispers of home. But it’s not just about nostalgia.

“I’m trying to evolve the culture, not just repeat it,” he says. “I want to show people that jerk belongs in all these new spaces – food halls, festivals, clubs – it deserves its place.”

And people are noticing. At Hockley Social, customers line up for his plates, drawn in by that unmistakable aroma and the warmth behind the counter. He serves with a smile, often remembering regulars by name, asking about their mums or kids.

“It’s more than food,” Adrian says. “It’s connection. It’s love.”
 

Where to find WMJC

You can catch Adrian and the West Midlands Jerk Centre most weekends at Hockley Social Club, alongside an ever-changing line-up of Birmingham’s best street food talent. Whether it’s jerk chicken, grilled corn or Adrian’s homemade sauces, one thing is guaranteed: you’ll leave full, happy, and probably telling your friends.

And if you’re lucky, you might catch him at local festivals, community cook-outs or even a secret supper club he’s been quietly planning for 2025. “Something intimate,” he hints. “Real vibes only.”
 

Plan your foodie adventure

Adrian’s story is just one delicious slice of the West Midlands’ thriving food scene – a mix of heritage and innovation, heart and hustle. From Handsworth to Hockley, he’s keeping Caribbean food alive and evolving, one perfectly marinated plate at a time.

Hungry yet?