Caribbean kitchen owner Deron Coleman delighted after starting new pop-up at Ice Nightclub in Thetford while still going at The Pykkerell Inn in Ixworth

The owner of a Caribbean kitchen has said he is delighted after starting a new pop-up at a town nightclub.

Deron Coleman, 44, started his business Craigs De Flava from his home in Thetford with just £85 in his pocket in 2020.

Fast forward to the end of 2024 and after many ups and downs, Deron has not only secured two pop-ups a month at The Pykkerell Inn in Ixworth, but also enjoyed his first one at Ice Nightclub in Thetford on Friday.

Craig’s da Flava, which formerly served from Tall Orders café, in Thetford, is set to provide food at the nightclub for its big events moving forwards.

Jamaican-born Deron, who recently quit his job at Center Parcs in Elveden to focus on his business, said: “I give my heart and soul to this.

“I love doing what I do. I am determined, I’ve kept on going and I am going to fight for this as I started this with barely any money in my pocket.

“I just love the smile and reaction I get when people know it’s a banging meal. Seeing people enjoy my food is a really precious feeling.

“So now with this new venture, I’m feeling really happy about it and it’s been a long time coming.”

Deron received a licence in April 2021 to operate Craig's de Flava from his home and then in October this year, he began serving up authentic Caribbean dishes at The Pykkerell Inn twice a month as well.

His dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, sweet chilli chicken and plenty more with a number of sides on offer.

Deron currently has three children, two with his ex-wife, and one with his current girlfriend Rachel, with another child on the way.

He runs his business from home one week and looks after his children the following week.

Deron has expressed his gratitude to Rachel for all her support.

“I had a bit of a mental breakdown a couple years ago as I felt completely drained but she pushed me to restart my business last year after I’d stopped,” he said.

“She helped me so much to focus on what I love to do and she is the backbone of what I do. She’s amazing.”

“She also gave me money after she won a jackpot a couple years ago which was very good of her and I’m incredibly grateful to her.”