Spitalfields’ Hit Trinidadian Pop-Up Isn’t Going Anywhere Yet

Limin’ — the hit Trinidadian pop-up restaurant and rum bar in Spitalfields market — will not close, as was planned, at the end of the year. Instead, and owing to its being “hugely successful” over the last seven weeks, founder Sham Mahabir told Eater this lunchtime that it will remain open in the new year.

The long-term plans for Limin’ aren’t yet confirmed, but Mahabir said that it will be in place, with a limited menu and no outside seating, until at least the beginning of May. Developers at Spitalfields market plan to refurbish the outside area and build a new structure which will open before the summer. Inside Limin’ in the new year, the team will install new tables and chairs.

“I can now confirm that we will stay here at 107B Old Spitalfields Market for a further few months into 2019 giving us time to further develop Limin’ as a concept,” he said. “There will be some limitations to the ‘next phase’ as I have [other] work commitments and the market has plans for the space. But we are delighted.”

As well as attracting a cult-following among the Trinidadian and wider Caribbean diaspora, and attracting celebrity endorsements, Limin’ has registered as the number two restaurant in London on Tripadvisor — a dubious metric in some instances, but an achievement of sorts in less than two months, nonetheless.

Mahabir says that Limin’s success — in addition to serving “great food” across the spectrum of culinary influences in Trinidad — is because it has represented a “safe space”, especially “at the time of Brexit.” He also pointed the particular challenges faced by the Caribbean diaspora in London this year in the wake of the Windrush scandal.

“Limin’ has for many become a ‘safe space,’ a ‘happy place’, full of warm Caribbean vibes, home cooked food, excellent cocktails, chic decor, a ‘home from home’ feel, with great music. As I see it, Caribbean food has not been represented in all its richness yet in London and we as Caribbean nationals have settled for less for far too long. Limin’ has changed that. More than a restaurant, it is an experience,” he said.

“I am humbled by the response from our community who have found a place they can call their own, especially in these times of Brexit and the Windrush scandal.

“This was never my dream, but this has become my destiny.”

Check back soon for more details on the limited menu.