London’s Caribbean community is lacing up this February as BARBS, the UK’s first authentic Bajan fast-casual restaurant, teams up with endurance athlete Rey Smart for a vibrant 5K run and cultural celebration in central London.
BARBS x Run 246 will take place on the morning of Saturday 28 February, blending movement, music and mouth-watering Barbadian flavours into one inclusive community event.
A 5K Run Rooted in Barbadian Pride
The social-paced 5K will begin at the Barbados High Commission in Russell Square and finish at BARBS’ home on the ground floor of Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch.
Open to all abilities, the run is designed to be welcoming and community-focused — as much about connection as it is about kilometres.
Runners will be greeted at the finish line with Barbados-inspired food, soft drinks and rum punch, turning the Saturday morning workout into a full-on Caribbean celebration.
Tickets are free but limited, and can be reserved via Eventbrite.
From Barbados to London: The Story Behind Run 246
The event follows Rey Smart’s recent endurance feat: a gruelling 100km-plus solo run around the entire island of Barbados. Completed in over 18 hours under blistering Caribbean heat, the challenge raised funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.
Part of his wider Run 246 initiative — a nod to Barbados’ international dialling code — the challenge celebrated Barbadian heritage while supporting cancer research. The fundraiser attracted attention across both the Caribbean and the UK, reinforcing Smart’s mission to unite culture and community through movement.
You can support the ongoing fundraiser here: Huel: Rey Runs Barbados Fundraiser
Smart said:
“Run 246 was about honouring my roots and proving what’s possible when culture and community come together. Bringing that energy to London with BARBS feels like the perfect continuation.”
BARBS: More Than a Restaurant
Since launching at Queen of Hoxton, BARBS has positioned itself as more than just a place to eat. The Shoreditch spot has become a cultural hub where Caribbean identity, nightlife and food collide.
As the UK’s first authentic Bajan fast-casual concept, BARBS brings the bold flavours and warm hospitality of Barbados to London. Rooted in family recipes and traditional techniques, dishes are made from scratch and seasoned the BARBS way.
This collaboration extends BARBS’ ethos beyond the kitchen, transforming a simple Saturday run into a shared cultural moment that celebrates heritage, health and community in equal measure.
Event Details: BARBS x Run 246
Date: Saturday 28 February
Warm-up: 10:20am
Start Location: Barbados High Commission, 1 Russell Square
Distance: Social-paced 5K (all abilities welcome)
Finish Location: BARBS at Queen of Hoxton, Shoreditch
On Arrival: Food, soft drinks and rum punch
Tickets: Free (limited spaces) – Register here
