People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Kele Alexander
Kele Alexander is a chef at Migrateful who is taking part in a panel discussion, How Do We Build Connection in a Polarised World?, on June 17 as part of Bristol Refugee Festival alongside Bristol lord mayor Yassin Mohamud, rapper and artist MoYah, and 91 Ways founder Kalpna Woolf.
Kele is originally from Trinidad and Tobago, where her love of cooking was inspired by her grandmother.
Since moving to Bristol, Kele has built a career that combines her talents as both a qualified teacher and cook, running her own catering business and introducing people to the vibrant flavours and traditions of Trinidad and Tobago through cookery classes, supper clubs and community events.
These are Kele’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Sweetmart
Sweetmart has been a Bristol institution since 1978 – photo: Milan Perera
“It’s always a joy to enter Sweetmart. It immediately reminds me of the shops in Trinidad since the island has a rich east Indian heritage. The familiarity of the products in this shop in Easton just warms my heart. The curries and the delicacies speak so boldly to me.”
Coexist Community Kitchen
Coexist Community Kitchen’s vision is for “an inclusive world where everyone feels nourished” – photo: Coexist Community Kitchen
“Coexist is my first love. A cosy non-profit cookery school that welcomed me with open arms when I was new to Bristol. A space where all are welcomed. My love for food is always acknowledged here. The high foot traffic of cultures sharing meals and stories while sitting around the long wooden table reminding me that humanity is sometimes delicious.”
Clifton
Kele says that Clifton “speaks of a time went but its memory is well preserved” – photo: Martin Booth
“Clifton is a place that represents the duality of Bristol and it piqued my interest immediately on my first visit there, almost like love at first sight. Whispering boldly with its aristocratic finish and trimmings. The gentle classy nudge of the quaint little shops. That quiet hum. It speaks of a time went but its memory is well preserved.”
Stokes Croft
For Kele, Stokes Croft is “an explosion of the colours of life” – photo: Martin Booth
“I have always said that Stokes Croft is like a tucked away bohemian capital. Wow! Simply put, Stokes Croft an explosion of the colours of life. The murals, the graffiti and the artistic spirit in the atmosphere tell a story of liberty to be you. And of course, the plethora of cultural cuisine adds depth and richness to your soul. A place to live, love and laugh. And my first official space that I tasted Sri Lankan food.”
Migrateful
Join Kele’s cookery class at Migrateful to learn to make authentic Trinidadian dishes – photo: Migrateful
“Migrateful is my ultimate Bristol favourite. A space for food and teaching – my twin flames of passion – to burn brightly. A cookery school celebrating the cultural heritage of lands far away usually only heard of in a textbook. Migrateful is nestled cosily at Windmill Hill City Farm and it echoes the organic nature of the atmosphere. I am privileged to quench the thirst and cultural cravings of participants who eagerly stumble in to celebrate culture, authenticity and boldness in the kitchen. Cooking up that rich sense of pride and belonging. (Come along to my Trinidadian cookery class where I transform into the main character in my own world, showing all that I cook and conquer!)”
Main photo: Jeni Knott
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