Among the stalls of Romford Market, there is one trader quietly celebrating completing her first year on the square.  

Trill Jerk and Grill, a Jamaican food truck tucked away opposite Sports Direct, was initially established by owner Natrice Simpson during the Covid pandemic, selling its range of patties, curries, soups and more via online delivery services such as Uber Eats. 

However, in late 2021, Natrice, who is originally from Jamaica, said she decided to take the plunge and sell her goods on Romford Market.

She said she hoped that she would be able to offer something different and to bring a bit of Jamaica to the people of Romford. 

“I realised there was not a lot of people around doing this sort of food,” she said, “so I decided to let Romford have a taste of the Caribbean.” 

While it took a little time to build up a base of regulars, Natrice said she is now seeing the benefits of moving to the market. 

“At first it was a bit slow because I had to earn my customers, so I put in a lot of hard work and it paid off because the people, they loved the food.” 

Romford Recorder: A queue of customers outside Trill Jerk and Grill on Market PlaceA queue of customers outside Trill Jerk and Grill on Market Place (Image: Ben Lynch)

Natrice has lived in Havering for more than 12 years, having moved to Harold Hill in 2010.

Previously a homecare manager, she said she continues to do two nights a week in health and social care support, alongside her Friday and Saturday stints in the market, describing the work as “one of my passions”. 

When the Recorder stopped by, Natrice was holding the fort on her own, though she said she does receive help from her husband on Saturdays and her son on Fridays.

However, she added she is currently on the lookout for someone else to provide additional support during her Friday shifts. 

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Natrice said the year ahead is all about expansion. Namely, she wants to do more events, such as weddings, and to extend her market days to include Wednesday and Sunday. 

Longer term, she hopes to open a restaurant and serve customers the same Jamaican meals currently available from her food truck. 

“It’s got the potential for that,” Natrice added. Judging by the queue come lunchtime, it appears she has more than a few customers who would wholeheartedly agree.