The name ‘Tan’ is an affectionate name for ‘Aunt’ in the Caribbean - Aunty, Tanty, Tan! ‘Rosie’ is Monica’s grandmother who inspired her to cook, she was known as ‘Tan Rosie’ throughout the family and beyond. Monica is a seasoned cook with a strong Caribbean heritage. She started cooking from an early age in her home country of Carriacou. Since moving to England in the 1960’s she has alwa
ys tried to mix Caribbean cooking with different cuisines.
“I love combining Caribbean flavours with my favourite foods. I try to bring a taste of ‘back home’ to everything I cook!”
Carriacou is an island parish of Grenada and is situated in the southern part of the Caribbean above Venezuela. It’s a sleepy, sun-kissed island measuring only 13 square miles. The island has many quiet sandy beaches with an array of palm trees facing the turquoise sea. Many of the neighbouring islands are home to many famous celebrities and rock stars! It’s the perfect holiday retreat! Carriacou is a traditional, laid back island with a rich cultural heritage. The original inhabitants were the Caribs and since then the island has been inhabited by Africans brought over during slavery which has been ruled by the French and British consecutively. The island has many French town names from their occupation during the 1800’s. Scottish boat builders were a common sight on the island and traditional boat-building continues today. Carriacou is an English speaking island which has descendants from Caribs, Africa, Scotland and England. The main island of Grenada is affectionately known as ‘The Spice Island.’ It produces spices which include Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Cloves, Turmeric and Ginger. It’s a beautiful island with a wealth of culinary history.
06/09/2026
You could just go out for dinner… or you could make it yourself. 🌴🔥
At Tan Rosie, our Caribbean cookery experiences are all about getting stuck in.
You’ll cook, learn, laugh, discover new flavours — and, of course, sit down and enjoy everything you’ve made. ❤️
No experience needed. Just come hungry and ready to have a good time.
📍 Tan Rosie Cookery School, Birmingham
🌴 Caribbean cookery experiences
📅 2027 dates now booking
Who would you bring into the kitchen with you? 👇🏾
05/09/2026
We’re at Waddesdon Manor Chilli Fest! 🌶️🔥
We’ve brought a taste of the Caribbean to Waddesdon this weekend — sauces, spice rubs and plenty of flavour. 🇬🇩🌴
If you’re visiting the Chilli Fest, come and find Tan Rosie, say hello to Lee & Monica and have a taste! ❤️
Who’s coming to Waddesdon this weekend? 👀🌶️
04/09/2026
Who would you bring to Caribbean Afternoon Tea? ❤️🌴
Good food, beautiful surroundings and time to sit, talk and enjoy something a little different together.
Our Christmas Caribbean Afternoon Tea brings the warmth of Caribbean hospitality to the beautiful Blakelands Country House — with festive flavours and our own Tan Rosie twist. 🎄🇬🇩
📍 Blakelands Country House, West Midlands
📅 Sunday 22 November 2026
🎟 £74.99 per person
Tag the person you’d love to bring with you. ❤️
03/09/2026
After the storm, he opened Mr Grill International in Carriacou. 🇬🇩🔥
When we visited Carriacou, we sat down with Leroy, aka Mr Grill, to hear his story — and how he built his business on the island.
Carriacou Stories isn’t only about remembering the past. It’s also about documenting the people building, creating and keeping the island moving today. ❤️🇬🇩
There’s something special about making it yourself. 🌴❤️
At Tan Rosie, our Caribbean cookery experiences are about more than following a recipe. You’ll get hands-on, learn the techniques, discover the stories behind the food — and then sit down and enjoy what you’ve created.
No experience needed. Just come ready to cook, learn and have a good time. 😊
🌴 2027 Caribbean Cookery School dates are now open
Perfect for treating yourself, coming with a friend, or giving someone an experience they’ll actually remember.
01/09/2026
Fish & chips with a Caribbean twist 🌴🍟
Sometimes the simplest meals are the best — especially with a generous helping of our Caribbean Banana Ketchup.
Sweet, fruity, gently spiced and definitely not just for chips. 🍌🌶️
What would you put Banana Ketchup on?
01/09/2026
Imagine walking nearly an hour just to get to school… 🎒🇬🇩
Seigert Cox remembers what going to school was like growing up in Carriacou — when children could walk for miles simply to get their education.
For many of that generation, the journey to school was just another part of everyday life.
Did you have a long journey to school growing up in Carriacou? ❤️
31/08/2026
Carnival has always been about more than the parade. 🇬🇩🇬🇧
For Al Sylvester, steel pan became part of his life in Britain — and part of a much bigger Caribbean story.
As thousands gather in London for Notting Hill Carnival today, we’re sharing one of Al’s memories of the music, community and culture that helped shape it.
These are the stories behind Carnival. ❤️
31/08/2026
She came to Britain before she was even 12 years old… 🇬🇩🇬🇧
Tanty Jana Cudjoe remembers why she left Carriacou at such a young age and made the journey to Britain.
For so many Caribbean families, childhood, migration and separation became intertwined — and every journey had its own story. ❤️
Through Carriacou Stories, we’re preserving these memories in their own words for generations to come.
30/08/2026
Before our guests arrive, there’s a little bit of preparation to do… 🌴👩🏾🍳
Every station is set up and ready so that when you walk through the door, you can get straight into cooking, learning and enjoying Caribbean food with us. ❤️
Our 2026 classes are fully booked, but 2027 Caribbean Cookery School dates are now open.
