Dub Jam which only opened a month or so ago was heaving when we arrived. The place is absolutely tiny, so do bare that in mind. Previously a cloak room, leading down to the Adventure Bar they’ve done a fantastic job in this tiny space. Boom box style speakers on the wall above the kitchen, jamaican style painted fans and of course, some ‘jammin tunes’. Its all about loud, feel good music such a Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and King Tubby (The ‘dub’ man). Apart from the restaurant looking fantastic, the food was just as exciting. This is modern Jamaican food, for the Modern Londoner.
We started our meal with a slushy version of my favourite (pina colada), and it didn’t let me down – all i could think about was a BBQ, crystal clear sea and a sandy beach while drinking it. It’s just a shame it was only 9 degrees outside the door. It may even be worth visiting Dub Jam, just for this cocktail alone! What a quirky way of serving of it too, in an old bake bean can.
There aren’t really ‘tings (sorry couldn’t help myself) such as starters, as this is essentially fast food so we delved straight in with some of their grilled delights. You’re faced with a choice of either ‘beach burgers’ or ‘jerk rebel skewers’. We couldn’t decide on one so went for a peppa pig, consisting of a single skewer spiked with succulent BBQ smoked jerk seasoned pork belly and and grilled peppers – it was to say the least, as delicious as it sounded. All washed down with my pina colada slush – heaven.
Burgers were a 28 day dry-aged English beef cooked to a medium rare (though ours was a little overdone) served with some lettuce, tomato and mayo all served in one of their flat bread, ciabatta like pockets. The patty for me, was a little standard but paired with some grilled pineapple and smoked cheese it was a very lovely, albeit messy beach burger – it really did have that holiday feel.
Sides here at Dub Jam are taken very seriously. KJ’s sweet potato chips were large, soggy, crunchy, expertly seasoned with what appeared to be a sort of italian herb seasoning and had bags of flavour. Their homemade salsa (which is served with everything) was one of the best i have had in a long while. It was very smokey, herby, lots of coriander and a hint of spice. Spooning the stuff straight into my mouth seemed to be the only option in the end. Sunshine slaw with coconut and yogurt and skin on fries were equally as delicious, if not more.
Belt loosened and a salsa sauce covered shirt later we managed to wobble out of Dub Jam after eating far to much food. Portion sizes are very generous, but perfect and offer great value for money. If you’re in the Covent Garden area, then head over to Dub Jam and fill yourself up, or even just to get a hand on some of their delicious cocktails. When the summer finally rolls in, i’m sure this place will have a queue spiralling out of it – and i hope to be right at the front.
7/10
