Revolutionizing Black Food Culture: How Jackson McLarty is Putting Black Eats LDN on the National Map
As the founder of Black Eats LDN, Mclarty has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the UK’s food scene by creating a platform that not only celebrates Black-owned businesses but also bridges cultural gaps within the Black British community. His journey, shaped by his unique upbringing and a relentless work ethic, is one of determination, vision, and a commitment to uplift the community.
Black Eats Ldn was born out of a need Jackson identified
During the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. Observing the glaring underrepresentation of Black-owned restaurants in major media outlets, he took it upon himself to create a space where these businesses could thrive. His mission was clear: to make it easier for people to support Black-owned food establishments and to diversify the dining options available across the UK. What started as a directory of 100 Black-owned businesses has now expanded to over 500, making it the largest of its kind in the country.
Jackson’s story begins in Bristol, with roots tracing back to Algeria and Jamaica. His formative years in Jamaica, where he attended secondary school, played a crucial role in shaping his outlook on life and work. The education system in Jamaica, with its rigorous discipline and emphasis on academic excellence, instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and a drive to succeed.
Living in Jamaica definitely made me who I am today," Jackson recalls.
"The culture, the discipline, the importance placed on education—all of that has influenced how I approach my professional career."
This foundation of discipline carried over into his later years as he navigated the corporate world in London. His journey was not an easy one; with his parents still in Jamaica, he was on his own, driven by the knowledge that there was no safety net. This mindset propelled him to consistently overachieve in his roles, laying the groundwork for his future success with Black Eats London.
The initial spark for Black Eats ldn came from…
…the desire to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had hit them particularly hard. He realized that while he could only do so much as an individual, creating a larger platform could amplify his efforts. Thus, the Black Eats directory was born, listing businesses by location, cuisine, dietary needs, and accessibility, all freely available to the public.
Today, Black Eats LDN has grown far beyond its origins, helping businesses scale to new heights. Some of the vendors in Jackson’s network have gone on to stock their products in major retailers like Selfridges and Whole Foods, or even open their own restaurants. For Jackson, the most rewarding part of this journey is seeing these businesses grow and thrive. “We’ve come a long way, and it’s amazing to see how we’ve become a trusted resource within the community,” he says.
collaborating with major festivals and corporations, including Wireless and City Splash.
Jackson Mclarty’s journey with City Splash began naturally, as he had already collaborated with the same directors in Hackney. Both Black Eats LDN and City Splash launched in 2020, with Black Eats providing food at the festival’s first 10,000-capacity event. By 2021, he became a director, overseeing food and partnerships.
This partnership set the stage for larger collaborations, as City Splash grew to 30,000 attendees. Jackson recognized the need for better representation at major festivals like Wireless, where Black artists performed, but the food didn’t reflect their culture. Black Eats LDN aims to change that, bringing authentic Black cuisine to these big stages.
In reflecting on working with larger collaborations
Jackson emphasizes how outdated many corporate practices can be. He believes that newer companies, particularly those deeply engaged with their communities, often have a clearer understanding of what resonates in today's market. “We’re the ones in the thick of it, directly interacting with our audiences, and that gives us a distinct advantage,” he explains. This perspective has empowered him to successfully navigate spaces that were once closed off to smaller, Black-owned businesses.
More about Jackson and his porfesssional journey: LinkedIn
Check out Black Eats LDN: blackeatsldn.com