Hills Kitchen opened in Batley Plaza earlier this month to bring a “totally different taste” to the town.
It is run by chef Sherlon Hill who moved to London in 2010 from Jamaica where he was inspired to cook by his grandparents.
He didn’t follow in the family footsteps of becoming a plumber and gained culinary experience by working for a catering company in the capital before moving to West Yorkshire where he worked at Caribbean restaurant in Huddersfield, as well as cooking from home, which took off during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has now secured his “dream” of running his own restaurant. And he believes it is in the best location.
“I had been looking at shops for a good while and got shown this one,” Sherlon said. “I wanted to get the right spot.
“We are the only one in Batley. That is what everyone is saying. Caribbean food has a totally different taste and flavour. It is a new thing for everyone in the area.”
The restaurant, at 9-10 Alfreds Way, has been converted from two shops into one and sits a cosy 25 people, whilst customers can also place takeaway orders.
The menu is full of Caribbean classics including jerk chicken, lamb chops and peppered prawns, whilst Sherlon’s specially-made Seafood Boil is a personal favourite.
“I started the Seafood Boil during COVID. One week I had five orders. The next I had 70!
“I am happy. It’s going well. It was a mad, busy opening day. We didn’t have a break all day. It just showed the love from people who wanted to come and try the new stuff. People are liking the food and like what I am doing. It’s a good start so I just have to give thanks.”
And he hopes, with the continued support of his partner Natasha, that the Hills Kitchen brand can expand in the future.
“It’s a dream to go to every city if we can,” he said. “We have to keep the standard. Let’s branch it out to Leeds, Manchester, London, anywhere, that is our plan. It will be loads of work but we will get there. I am not saying next year, but we will have to work hard for it and make a good plan.
“Natasha believed in my dream. This has been in the making for a long time but thank you to her for believing in me. Hopefully the business can get bigger and bigger.”
Take a look around Hills Kitchen which has opened in Batley Plaza.
1. Hills Kitchen
Hills Kitchen is a new Caribbean restaurant - serving authentic Jamaican flavours - which has opened in Batley Plaza. Photo: SUB
4. Hills Kitchen
The restaurant, at 9-10 Alfreds Way, has been converted from two shops into one and sits a cosy 25 people, whilst customers can also place takeaway orders. Photo: Iconic Media Group