A cozy pub in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is about to get a whole lot tastier. Temper & Brown, a family-run gem on Albion Street, has joined forces with street food sensation Esmie’s Caribbean Fusion to bring a burst of island flavors to its kitchen. Since reopening under owner Roifield Brown in July 2023, this laid-back spot—complete with a hidden courtyard—has been a neighborhood favorite. Now, with Esmie’s bold Caribbean dishes like Jerk Chicken Skewers and Curry Mutton on the menu, it’s set to become a destination for food lovers craving something extraordinary.
From St. Kitts to the UK: Esmie’s Journey
Esmie’s story is one of unexpected passion and culinary triumph. Hailing from the lively shores of St. Kitts, she didn’t grow up dreaming of a life in food. As a young girl, she’d dodge kitchen duties whenever possible. But after moving to the UK at 20, something shifted. The vibrant tastes and traditions of her Caribbean upbringing began calling her back, igniting a love for cooking she never saw coming. In 2004, she took a leap into the street food scene, starting small but dreaming big.
It wasn’t long before Esmie’s unique spin on Caribbean cuisine turned heads. Her standout creation? The fried dumpling burger—a deliciously inventive dish that became her calling card and a beloved staple among fans. With a focus on top-notch food, stellar service, and unbeatable value, Esmie built a legacy that’s now carried forward by her daughter, Heaven-Leigh. Together, they keep the spirit of St. Kitts alive, blending authentic recipes with fresh, modern flair.
A Match Made in Flavor Heaven
For Roifield Brown, partnering with Esmie’s was a no-brainer. “We’re all about good vibes, great music, and bringing people together,” he says. “Esmie’s brings that same energy, plus food that’s packed with heart and soul. I can’t wait for our guests to taste what she’s cooking up—it’s going to blow them away.” The new menu, launching on March 4, 2025, promises to do just that, with dishes that fuse Caribbean classics with Esmie’s signature twists.
Take the Jerk Chicken Skewers, for example. Smoky, spicy, and paired with a sweet pineapple-pomegranate salsa, they’re more than just a meal—they’re a memory. “That jerk spice takes me straight back to my family’s kitchen in St. Kitts,” Esmie shares. “My mom stirring the pot, my dad stealing bites—it’s all there in the flavors. The salsa? That’s her playful touch, a little sweetness to balance the heat. It’s like home on a plate.”
What’s on the Plate at Temper & Brown
Starting March 4, visitors to Temper & Brown can dive into a lineup featuring Esmie’s crowd-pleasers. Expect tender Curry Mutton, rich with island spices, alongside those unforgettable Jerk Chicken Skewers. Each dish reflects Esmie’s commitment to bold, authentic tastes and the warmth of Caribbean hospitality. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, this is food designed to make you smile, linger, and come back for more.
Visit and Vibe
Temper & Brown is tucked away at 12-13 Albion Street in the Jewellery Quarter, a perfect spot to unwind with a pint and some seriously good eats. Want to know more? Check out www.temperandbrown.com or follow the pub’s journey on Instagram at @temperandbrown. Mark your calendar—this Caribbean takeover is set to bring the heat, the heart, and all the good vibes to Birmingham.
Quick Bites
- Where: Temper & Brown, 12-13 Albion Street, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
- When: Esmie’s Caribbean Fusion starts March 4, 2025
- Must-Try: Jerk Chicken Skewers with pineapple-pomegranate salsa, Curry Mutton
- More Info: www.temperandbrown.com
Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that’s equal parts soulful and delicious—Esmie’s Caribbean Fusion is here to turn up the taste at Temper & Brown
