TRINIDADIAN CHEF TALKS ABOUT GROWING FROM A SMALL POP-UP TO LONDON’S ONLY CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT IN CENTRAL LONDON
Chef Sham Mahabir, founder of Limin’ Southbank, recently won the People’s Choice Award for Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Be Inclusive Hospitality Awards. In this interview, he talks about the journey from a small pop-up at Old Spitalfields Market to running the only Caribbean restaurant in central London, and what the award means to him.
Winning the People’s Choice Award must have felt amazing. What went through your mind when Limin’ was announced as Restaurant of the Year?
For some context, it’s one I wanted to win as I knew it was the key award. From nominated restaurant to just down to four. It’s out of your hands, and as much work as you do, you can’t help but look at the competition and say they all will. I had been abroad and had come back to attend the award, but, feeling tired, I had hoped my guest would cancel. She did not. So I put on my Indian black-tie clothing and was ready for the night, thinking I was going to celebrate just being shortlisted.
When our name was called, I was shocked, overjoyed, delighted, and grateful. I had joy, prepared a speech, but my partner asked if we won, what would I say!
It was clear to me that this award should be dedicated to the Windrush Generation, who paved the way for me to do what I do today.
Limin’ started as a pop-up and is now the only Caribbean restaurant in central London. What were some of the most challenging moments along that journey?
There have been many challenges. On a high from the success of the pop-up, we were unsuccessful in our search for a venue until we found Coin Street. It’s where we found our home.
Other challenges have included the fallout from Brexit and staffing shortages, rising prices, the alarmingly high cost of service charges, the cost of living and energy crisis, and, let’s not forget, COVID-19, which posed many challenges. Remember, we opened after the first lockdown. At the time, it was bold and brave. Today, I can say it was an incredible decision that allowed me to do what no one else has been able to do.
Beyond the food, Limin’ is known for bringing people together through things like International Doubles Day and the Jerk & Beyond Festival. Why is that community connection so important to you?
We see Limin as a community connection first. IDD and J&B were things I did before we found a home. It was a way to get the diaspora and our culture noticed and take centre stage while showcasing food like doubles to Londoners.
Going forward, the 2026 summer concept is about the best of T&T, so expect rooms to be dedicated to elements of my homeland.
You’ve said Limin’ wasn’t your dream but somehow became your destiny. What was your dream, and how did Limin’ become your destiny?
Growing up on an island, the dream was to escape. I wanted more than it could have offered me. Arriving here, I met my partner, and I have had a good life. I don’t think I have had many dreams, and some of them have been realised, and some of them have changed.
Limin became my destiny when I recognised that it was missing.
With the incredible reception Limin received at Old Spitalfields Market, I wondered why it had not been done before. Finally, I have found something I could do very well.
I love what I do, and I am very good at it.
Winning two prominent awards is a testament to the hard work, passion, and determination.
Obviously, one reason it has not been done is the cost. I am not dripping in money, but with what little we had, we made it work. Today, the business remains 100% owned by my partner and me.
Congratulations on your 7th anniversary of running this restaurant. Did you ever envision the restaurant getting this far seven years ago?
Seven years ago, I dared not dream. It was an idea that I just ran with. When I sat by the time Angostura came in as a sponsor, it was bold, but it was right. I lead with my gut instinct. As I said before, it was never a dream; it’s become my destiny. Showcasing the Caribbean and the undiscovered food of the Caribbean is now a job. It’s a calling. I am not sure about the future, but I know I don’t want to keep doing this. I have more to offer the world as a person, as a chef, a businessman, and a champion of a world where we see ourselves as #OneCaribbean #OnePeople #OneLove.
For more information, visit limin.co.uk.
