Will Smith with Roger Shakes at Roger’s Kitchen in Camden Road

A CARIBBEAN restaurant in Camden Town was asked to black out its windows last week for a very special order of goat curry.

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air star Will Smith enjoyed a slap-up lunch at Roger’s Kitchen in Camden Road last Wednesday before his performance outside King’s Cross station with DJ AG.

Mr Smith, who rocked the pop charts in the 1990s with rap hits like Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It and Miami, was in town for the Summertime Ball concert at Wembley on Sunday.

Roger Shakes, owner of Roger’s Kitchen, had been discreetly approached by Mr Smith’s team last Tuesday.

Firstly they ordered a large takeout order before calling back the next day to let them know they would be making visit to the restaurant.

Mr Shakes said he knew the mystery guest would be a celebrity but at the time was unaware it was the Oscar winner.

“I knew it was someone big because I’ve dealt with celebrities in the past particularly when they ask about back entrances and blacking out windows,” he said.

“I had a chat with Will and we shook hands, he was very appreciative of the food,” said Mr Shakes and added: “I said to him when I was around ten I was watching him in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and he smiled.

“He was very chill. He ate quickly and spent a lot of time on the sofa because he said he was very tired. But we’re used to celebrities here. This is one of Emeli Sande’s favourite restaurants, as well as Big Zuu and Jazzy B. And Ashley Walters, he comes by a lot and I did the food for his wedding.”

Roger’s Kitchen

Mr Shakes is the cousin of the late Derek Blake who set up and ran the legendary Mango Room restaurant once opposite Camden Town Station.

Mr Shakes was the first original chef. Then in 2020, he opened Roger’s Kitchen.

Mr Shakes said cheffing up good food was his love language, but that times had been tough for the restaurant owner.

“I’ve been cooking since I was 12, I come from a big family,” he said, adding: “British and Jamaican culture are so different – in Jamaica you would show love through food. I love making people happy and I cannot cook small. I like to give loads of food.

“Things are good – but it is hard. But the thing about restaurants at the moment is I’m paying a killer on electric and gas.

“People ask why the food has become more expensive, but it’s because the price of produce has gone up, and the bills are sky-high. We’re surviving here but I know there are other places in Camden that are not.”

Roger’s Kitchen won best Caribbean restaurant in 2023 and the restaurant is celebrating five years in business next month.