Joyce's Authentic Caribbean (West End)

I recently visited Joyce’s Caribbean restaurant, and I have to say, it was a mixed experience. Let’s start with the good: the chicken patty was nice, but unfortunately, that’s where the excitement ended. I ordered fried chicken, and while it was just one piece, it came with a price tag of £3.50. That felt a bit steep for what I got.

I also had rice and peas with jerk chicken and a fruit punch. While the portions were generous, the jerk chicken itself was a letdown. It looked massive at first glance, but most of it was bone, so once I got through that, there wasn’t much meat left. To make it worse, the chicken was slightly cold on the inside, and the sauce was both bland and lacking—definitely not what I was expecting from a Caribbean spot known for its bold flavours.

The fruit punch was probably the highlight. It was homemade with a nice kick of ginger, but it came in a small plastic bottle. I think it would’ve been nicer if it was served in a glass with ice, to match the cosy atmosphere inside. Speaking of, the vibe was great, with good music and a comfortable ambience, but sadly the food didn’t live up to it.

Rice and peas with Jerk chicken + chicken patty & fried chicken

For two people, we spent £46, which isn’t bad for the area, but I feel like we paid more for the location than the actual quality of the meal. While I left feeling full, I was underwhelmed overall. I wouldn’t go out of my way to return unless I’m nearby and really craving a Jamaican patty. Overall, I’d give it a 5.5/10—disappointing, especially given the potential.