A taste of Jamaica with Public House
Published:Wednesday | July 18, 2018 | 12:00 AMLatara Boodie/Gleaner Writer
"Negril was lacking a real Jamaican restaurant that specialises in good old-fashioned home-cooked meals," said Devon 'Kenny' Johnson, owner of Public House Restaurant. With the help of Appleton Estate, Johnson decided to make it his mission to establish something that was not just a typical Jamaican cookshop. "Those are scattered across Negril. Tourists would either eat from there or at the resort they were staying [at]," he explained.
Public House had its grand opening on July 15, 2017, and has been getting great reviews ever since. Its modern layout does not follow the usual Jamaican theme that one would expect. Its crisp white walls, dark furniture and strategically placed vegetation provide a neutral environment that all will appreciate. "I like the white because it gives a refreshing, elegant and clean look," said Johnson.
Their main dishes include curried goat, fried chicken, stewed beef and jerk pork. "These are the main Jamaican meals that tourists and even persons that have not been back home in a long time want to have. On any given day, you will be able to get this type of food at the same quality," stated Johnson.
The name Public House came about when Johnson decided that he wanted everyone to be able to feel at home and enjoy real Jamaican food straight out of grandma's kitchen food. "We want people to eat good food while enjoying our signature Appleton blends," he explained. Their best Appleton cocktails include Exhale, which is a mixture of Appleton Signature Blend and ginger ale or grape; Pink Passion, which is Campari and Sangster's Rum Cream; and Rumpari, which is a combination of Campari and Wray and Nephew Rum.
"I and Appleton go way back, for years. When I opened Public House, they came on board instantly. I love working with the brand, and they always look out for me," said Johnson. When people come to Public House, they should expect real, old-fashion Jamaican food made by executive chef Kevin Shaw. Public House is your home away from home.