Derry street food genius to host first Black Bush Block Party

The Filthy Quarter is set to host the first ever Black Bush Block Party on May 28 as part of the #AnswerTheCall event series.

Created in collaboration with Kevin Pyke, food guru and owner of street-food start-up Pyke ‘N’ Pommes in Derry/Londonderry, The Black Bush Block Party is the first-time Kevin will share his street food concept with a Belfast audience.

Kevin has been experimenting with Bushmills Irish whiskey to create a menu of Black Bush-inspired tacos to introduce at the Block Party. His tacos will pair perfectly with the rich, fruity notes and intense character of Black Bush and include ‘Beef Brisket Slow-Cooked in Black Bush’ and ‘Pork Al Pastor with a Black Bush Glaze’, to name a few.

The #AnswerTheCall series sees Bushmills working with local creators, thinkers, artists, entrepreneurs and adventurers to celebrate their stories and inspire others to fulfil their true calling.

Kevin will be joined by barber Garry Jackson and elusive street-artist Glen Molloy. All three talents will showcase their passions and share their stories of fearlessness and defiance.

Kevin was a teenager when he realised his calling in food, and set off on a journey of food discovery, with nothing more than his passion and determination. From 14-hour shifts in street kitchens to finding his finesse in Michelin-starred restaurants, Kevin has spent years perfecting his craft. But he couldn’t satisfy his cravings. He knew he was meant for more.

After touring the world for more than 10 m years sampling food in places such as India, Indonesia and Thailand, Kevin returned home to Northern Ireland with a newfound understanding of his subject.

In 2013, he found the missing ingredient to what would eventually become his own restaurant – a battered steel shipping container. Old and beat-up, the container looked like junk to most folk, but Kevin used all his savings to revamp the container into Pyke ’N’ Pommes. An authentic street food kitchen was born and Kevin started cooking up a storm on the city’s Foyle Marina.

Through his hard work, creativity and determination, Kevin has turned Pyke ’N’ Pommes from a piece of scrap metal into an internationally-acclaimed, award-winning street food eatery. And this successful venture is an everyday reminder of how a fearless attitude and determination can carve a path to success.

Now, as part of the Black Bush Block Party, Kevin will bring the undeniable atmosphere and intense aromas of Pyke ’N’ Pommes to Belfast for the very first time so that the city can experience his food revolution.

To read the #AnswerTheCall stories of and keep up to date with the series, visit www.answerthecall.co.uk. To join in the conversation, follow Bushmills on social media @BushmillsUK.