Harlesden business delivers a ‘punch’ to Brent food bank

the Original Caribbean Punch Company at Brent Food Bank (Image: Archant)

Colin Carr, who founded the Original Caribbean Punch Company, delivered more 3,000 bottles to Brent food bank and Ashford Place –formerly known Cricklewood homeless concern.

The Original Caribbean Punch Company original flavour (Image: Archant)

Danny Maher, CEO of Ashford Place said: “It was great that the company delivered a high quality, healthy drink.”

“It is good to know that the local company are thinking about something other than business, but about their community; trying to help local vulnerable people over the Christmas season.”

Mr Carr built his business from the ground up and is a far cry to his simpler existence in Jamaica – his home country.

Armed with a passion for cooking passed down by his mother, he visited the UK after accepting an invitation from two British women, who he helped when they were lost in the Caribbean country.

Satisfied with the quality of life in the UK, Mr Carr relocated and eventually opened his 24 hour West Indian restaurant, ‘Saapo’ in Harlesden.

He experimented with different flavour combinations and created three unique flavours: Original fruit punch, pineapple and milk and beetroot with ginger and lemon.

Now, he has produced over 15 different flavour concoctions, inspired the Caribbean.

“Mummy used to make them [the drinks] back home,” he said.

“She taught me how to cook and make the drink and I decide to bring the flavour of the Caribbean over here.”

Mr Carr met Mr Wallace, best known as the Dark Destroyer on the popular quiz show, at his restaurant, but did not recognise him at first.

Mr Wallace, a barrister and a loyal customer, was impressed by the fruit drinks and pledged his support to the company – including promoting the product on international television.

The company will be giving out free samples of their product at Saapo.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/punchdrinks.