Datties Soul Food at Hungry Horse
Why Black British Cuisine Rocks
Black British cuisine isn’t just food - it’s a powerful piece of British culture that carries the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who brought it here. This vibrant cuisine is shaped by journeys, generations, and pure resilience. Every recipe is a chapter of family history, where Caribbean, African, and other global influences blend beautifully with British life. And by bringing Datties Soul Food to Hungry Horse, we’re proudly flying the flag for Black British heritage, opening minds and honouring stories from all corners.Hungry Horse is all about bringing people together, so it’s extra special to share these dishes in a pub setting. With Datties on the menu, you get more than just a meal - you get a celebration of culture and a chance to learn something new while having a good time!
Monica’s Story: Cooking with Heart and Heritage
Monica Holton’s journey began with a memory that’s as vivid today as it was when she was seven or eight years old. As a little girl, she’d tiptoe into the kitchen where her dad was at work, eyes wide with wonder at the magic he created with flour, water, and salt. She remembers peering into a big bowl where flour turned into crispy, golden dumplings, fried to perfection and dripping with butter.
For Monica, cooking with her parents was more than just a way to make food, it was a ritual. Fast forward to 2011, Monica was on maternity leave with her sixth child, feeling the pressures of a demanding career and missing the guidance of her parents. Her father had passed in 2003, and her mother had been diagnosed with dementia. Then, Monica felt a deep need to honour her family’s legacy, particularly her mother’s resilience and warmth. Her mum, known back in Jamaica as “Ms Dat”, was a small but mighty figure who championed Monica through thick and thin.
That was the moment Datties Soul Food was born. Named after her mother, Datties Soul Food became a tribute to the love and strength of her family. With her mother’s blessing, Monica opened the first Datties shop in 2012, and what began as a small venture has now grown to touch thousands of people. Today, Monica feeds over 5,000 people from all cultures, staying passionate about food and even more passionate about people.
Culture in Every Bite
One of the stars of this collaboration? The incredible Jerk Chicken & Wings! This dish packs a punch with Datties signature Jerk rub - a blend of bold, smoky flavours and just the right heat. Think half a roasted chicken, crispy wings, tangy jerk sauce, spicy rice, coleslaw, and a spicy herb garnish. For some, it’s a first taste of Jamaica; for others, it’s a taste of home. Either way, it’s a winner.
By adding Caribbean-inspired dishes to our menu, we’re bringing a whole new level to pub dining, showing off the delicious diversity of the UK.
Spices like fennel, star anise, and others, now widely available, enhance these dishes, but they weren’t as easy to come by when Monica’s mum was cooking. Not only does this emphasise the evolution of Datties Soul Food, but it also highlights the endless flavours we aim to celebrate at Hungry Horse!
Black British Cuisine: A Living Legacy
Pubs have come a long way and we’re proud that Hungry Horse is a place where everyone feels welcome. From discriminatory signs to now celebrating the very essence of Black British food within our walls, we’re creating spaces where everyone belongs.
From the Windrush generation to today, Black British cuisine has woven its way into the UK’s food scene, combining Caribbean, African, and other influences to create a uniquely British flavour experience. Jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, patties - these aren’t just meals, they’re staples of the home and beloved across the country. By bringing Datties Soul Food to Hungry Horse, we’re celebrating this legacy, honouring the role these dishes play in our food culture.
With younger generations diving into these tastes and seeking authentic experiences, our partnership with Datties is right on time, celebrating the legacy and future of Black British cuisine.
At Hungry Horse, we’re all about embracing what makes us unique. Our pubs are where everyone’s welcome to pull up a chair, share a story, and dig into something tasty. Featuring Datties Soul Food on our menu means we’re adding a new chapter to that story.
So, gather your crew, bring an appetite, and get ready to experience Datties Soul Food.