New Jamaican restaurant Jamaya brings the carnival spirit to Solihull

Something hot and tasty is coming to Touchwood in Solihull at the beginning of March, the UK’s first gourmet Jamaican jerk chicken restaurant – Jamaya.

Bringing proper charcoal grilled jerk and gourmet Jamaican fried chicken, with base sauces varying from mild to hot, Jamaya will be launching their debut restaurant at the shopping centre.

It will occupy the 1,779 sq ft unit, which was previously Giraffe, and can seat 80 people.

Byron Carnegie, MD of Jamaya said: “Touchwood is the ideal location for our debut restaurant and we are very excited to launch our brand in one of the region’s leading retail destinations.

“The whole team behind Jamaya has worked passionately to get the concept off the ground and we are excited that Solihull will be home to our first bricks and mortar site.”

Creating a unique, casual dining experience against a colourful backdrop, there will be space for 80 covers, serving a menu of traditional Jamaican charcoal-grilled jerk chicken, fried chicken, burgers, popular Irie sides and craft beers.

Setting Jamaya apart from other chicken restaurants is their jerk-tastic marination process. Using the traditional Caribbean slow-smoke method, their jerked food has a mouth-watering spicy-sweet flavour and a tender texture that is unmatched, creating a truly authentic Jamaican culinary experience.

Byron added: “My grandparents have always done a lot of authentic Jamaican cooking which has been a big influence on my own cooking style and love for Irie food.

“The flavours of our jerk chicken are amazing but I’d also really recommend the really tasty ‘festival’s’ which are like dumplings but sweeter.”

Tony Elvin, GM at Touchwood, said, “I am so excited to welcome Jamaya to Touchwood. Jamaya bring something new, fresh, exciting and independent to Solihull, really adding to the wide range of dining options already in the centre.

“Our guests have been asking for fried chicken in Touchwood, this fantastic concept delivers that and more. Byron and his team have been brilliant to work with and we wish them huge success with their first Jamaya.”

Designed by an in-house team, the interior will feature graffiti, coloured wood and metal, a unique mix of Jamaican-inspired elements creating a modern urban atmosphere that certainly brings the sunshine to Solihull.

Jamaya will be open 7 days a week from 11am to 10.30pm.

A Jamaya spokesperson said: “So, in true Jamaican style, get your reggae on and come and experience our authentic cuisine for the first time in the UK!”