About Us
The Journey of Our Caribbean Business
What began with a heartfelt question from my then-eight-year-old daughter—“Mum, what can I do to run my own business?” —has grown into a vibrant, multi-outlet Caribbean food venture rooted in family, culture, and purpose.
At the time, we were running a narrowboat hire business. Inspired by Olivia’s curiosity, we set up a tiny stall on our iconic narrowboat, selling filled croissants, cakes, and teas. It was a sunny day at Tring Reservoirs, and to our amazement, the stall was a hit. Olivia earned her first income, and her proud little smile conveyed everything. The following week, my son Harry—then 11—tasted a pot of curry goat I had made and said, “Mum, this is sooo good—you need to sell it!”
That was our lightbulb moment. I registered with Environmental Health, named the business The Goat Boat, and launched a simple Caribbean menu: jerk chicken, rice and peas, slaw, and sweet potato goat curry. We sold out in under an hour, took £500, and people began travelling from as far as St Albans. Within weeks, we had queues stretching down the towpath—people waiting over two hours just for a taste from our little boat kitchen.
“Beasty”
As demand soared, our boat couldn’t cope. We sold it and purchased a 72-foot empty shell with no heating, water, or electrics—just a dream. For months, we travelled to Oxford, sleeping on mattresses in freezing conditions and doing all the work ourselves. We nicknamed her “Beasty” for the sheer effort it took to bring her to life. In July 2024, The Goat Boat 2.0 launched—back at Tring Reservoirs, bigger, better, and built by hand with love, grit, and vision.
From Boat to Restaurant: The Journey of The Goat Yard
Just five months later, we opened our first restaurant: The Goat Yard in Tring. By month ten, we expanded again with Rum N Rescue—a fully converted 1981 French fire engine, taking our food to festivals, events, and private bookings across the region. Most recently, we’ve launched nationwide frozen food delivery, allowing customers all over the UK to enjoy our best-selling Caribbean dishes from the comfort of their own homes.
In just 10 months, our business has grown to three outlets and now reaches kitchens nationwide. We’ve been featured in The Great Food Club as a trusted independent, and our Easter campaign on Eating With Tod reached over 3 million followers. We’ve also been entered into national awards including Best Mobile Business, Best Female Entrepreneur, Best Family Business, and Best New Business.
But our journey has not been without difficulty. As a white woman cooking Caribbean food in a 98% white area—with a mixed-heritage son—I’ve faced scepticism, cultural assumptions, and ignorance. Some questioned the authenticity of our food before even tasting it. We’ve dealt with trolling, uncomfortable conversations, and being judged unfairly. But our commitment to Caribbean food and culture comes from love, respect, and lived experience. I’ve raised my children with pride in their roots, and this business reflects that pride.
Little Chef Harry
It’s been a delicate but meaningful path—honouring Caribbean heritage while teaching my children to embrace who they are. Harry, now affectionately called “Little Chef Harry” (even though he’s taller than me), takes an active role in the kitchen. Olivia, calm and intuitive, creates a warm, welcoming experience for customers. When we met Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones (The Black Farmer), he was genuinely thrilled to see Harry so engaged in his heritage, and in food that represents identity and strength.
Real Food. Real Values.
Our ethics are clear and unwavering. We absolutely refuse to use MSG, artificial preservatives, or E-numbers. As a mother and advocate for nourishment, I believe what children eat young will shape their long-term health and future.
All our food is made from scratch with real, wholesome ingredients. We also use fully biodegradable, eco-friendly packaging and constantly review ways to reduce our environmental impact. To us, feeding people well and honouring the planet go hand in hand.
A tropical-inspired eco-glamping retreat
As a single mum of two, with no financial support from either father and having rebuilt life following bankruptcy and domestic violence, this business has taken every ounce of resilience I have. I’ve done it all—from cooking and marketing, to homeschooling, painting boats, menu design, and attending local events—all with my kids by my side.
Now, we’re working on our next dream: a tropical-inspired eco-glamping retreat with miniature animals, combining nature, sustainability, and cultural learning. It’s a space where families can disconnect from devices and reconnect with food, nature, and one another. We want to offer more than a stay—we want to give people a meaningful, immersive experience.
What started with a child’s innocent question has turned into a bold, beautiful, Caribbean-inspired business built on heart, hustle, and family. Every challenge we’ve overcome—whether long queues, cultural bias, freezing boat builds, or judgment—has shaped a brand that stands for authenticity, love, and purpose. We didn’t just build a business. We built a legacy. And we’re only just getting started.
Get in touch with us!
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re planning an event, hosting a Caribbean night, or simply craving our delicious Jamaican flavors, we’re here to help. Reach out to us with your questions, orders, or special requests. Let’s bring the taste of Jamaica to your table – contact us today!