A born and bred and Hitchin businessman whose parents settled in the town after emigrating from Jamaica is set to open an original and independent Caribbean restaurant.

The Comet: Owner of the Duchy Pot John TurnerOwner of the Duchy Pot John Turner (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2016)

John Turner, 45, has been putting the finishing touches to the Duchy Pot on Bancroft – named after a cooking pot which is a staple in most Jamaican homes and was made famous in the 1980s Musical Youth song Pass the Dutchie.

It includes a mosaic paying tribute to both his late father and his Caribbean heritage.

John, a former Hitchin Boys’ School pupil, has been wanting to open an authentic West Indies eatery for a few years but held off until he found the ‘perfect spot’ – the site of the former Australian bar Bombora.

Qualified accountant John told the Comet: “Everyone loves Caribbean food. What I want to do is offer authentic food but with a funky twist.

“No-one wants a tired and clichéd ‘palm tree’ restaurant offering a pale imitation of what should be vibrant food. The Duchy Pot will offer an original fusion of the old and the new – favourites but with a dynamic new twist.

“Of course there will be dishes like ackee, saltfish, plantain – but we also have a taster menu offering ‘Caribbean tapas’. There will also be 50 different types of quality rums from the region, and we’ll be doing Caribbean breakfasts and lunchtime specials.

“Jamaican eating is a sociable experience and we want to offer that here too.”

Family is important to father-of-two John. He also created the decor, including a mosaic paying tribute to his late father Headley Turner who made a new life in Hitchin in the early sixties.

John added: “My dad was always proud of me. I knew he took great pleasure from watching the Duchy Pot evolve before he passed.

“I created the mosaic in tribute to him, and my mother Hilda who has been a great support – as well as to acknowledge Caribbean influences. Music is important – we also plan to have reggae and ska to enhance the experience.

“There are no real Caribbean restaurants within a large radius of Hitchin from London up to Milton Keynes – and the interest we’ve already had from so many people has been great.

“I’d like to say a big thanks to my family and all those who’ve helped.”

The Duchy Pot is to open in July. Follow @DuchyPot on Instagram.