Yard 2 Yard won the award for the ‘Bes Jerk’ in the UK after beating out 10 other vendors
A jerk chicken restaurant based in East London has been named the UK’s ‘best’ after taking home the big prize at an event showcasing the best of jerk flavouring in the UK.
Yard 2 Yard, the restaurant and catering service run by Christina and Rolex, took home the ‘Best Jerk in the UK’ award at UK Jerk Fest 2026. The event saw vendors from all across the UK battle it out to showcase their best innovations in the kitchen as well as who has the best flavour. Yard 2 Yard, from Romford, was awarded the biggest prize of the night.
Christina said winning the award felt ‘surreal’ and didn’t ‘expect the love’ they got over the weekend.
Christina said: “We didn’t expect the love we got this weekend. We obviously wanted to win but at the same time, it was an opportunity to come together with our fellow traders and have fun. We all talked and shared experiences, so it was exciting coming, but there was one intention and that was to win.
“Jerk is such a big part of Jamaican culture; from the cooking process to it, the history, the influences it’s had around the islands. It’s an opportunity to celebrate culture and the jerk chicken dish celebrates culture. We know what we are capable of [we don’t know what’s next], but the sky’s the limit.”
UK Jerk Fest was a festival hosted by Black Eats London at Hackney Wick over two days, with thousands of visitors descending on Hackney Bridge. 11 vendors battled it out to see who would be crowned the best and it was Yard 2 Yard who came out victorious in the evening and received an iconic golden oil-drum that is a staple for authentic jerk chicken.
Yard 2 Yard came from the mind of Rolex, who grew up in Portland, Jamaica. His dad was a butcher who helped teach him to cut different meats and how best to get the best flavour. He grew up on the idea of community. When he met Christina in England, they found that they shared a similar love for food.
“We always operate an open door policy. We always cater to everyone and make them feel welcome. That’s where Yard 2 Yard came from; Yard 2 Yard is a home away from home. When you come to us, you should feel like you’ve gone to your mum’s house and left with your belly full.
“That’s how we always wanted to be. Whether it’s people booking us for catering, coming to the restaurant, or coming to see us at festivals, we get to know them, crack jokes, and they always leave happy. That’s what we are always trying to achieve. Any situation we are in, it’s always about togetherness, family and love and now that has fed into our food”, Christina added.
Jackson Mclarty, founder of Black Eats LDN and UK Jerk Fest said: “I wanted to host this because jerk in the UK wasn’t authentic. In the UK, it’s travelled across the sea and it’s lost its authenticity.
“This event was about holding the chefs accountable, and using a competition format ensured everybody brings their A-game. I wanted people who attended to feel the Jamaican vibe in the air and here in East London.”
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