Rock Steady Reggae Lunch featuring Wayne Hernandez

Table reservations from 12pm | Live Music: 1-3pm

In honour of Jamaican Independence week, Boisdale of Canary Wharf presents a Rock Steady Reggae Lunch rooted in heritage, rhythm and the golden era of Caribbean sound. Set in our elegant restaurant and served alongside a vibrant three-course Saturday lunch menu, this is a full-bodied celebration of the island’s cultural legacy.

Taking centre stage is Wayne Hernandez, a singer of rare calibre whose musical journey includes performances with icons such as Tina Turner, Blur, Tori Amos, Madonna and the Gorillaz. A former member of the London Community Gospel Choir and one of the UK’s most in-demand vocalists, Wayne brings depth, warmth and sheer musicality to the songs that defined Jamaica’s post-independence soundtrack.

Expect a live set that honours the pivotal sounds of reggae, rocksteady, ska and lovers rock, featuring tracks by pioneers like Desmond Dekker, Alton Ellis and The Techniques. From Jimmy Cliff’s “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and The Melodians’ “Rivers of Babylon” to Bob Marley’s “Don’t Rock My Boat” and John Holt’s beloved “Help Me Make It Through the Night”, each song captures a moment in Jamaican musical history. You’ll also hear lovers rock anthems and roots classics like “Tempted to Touch”, “Wild World” and “Money In My Pocket”, played live with the groove and energy they were born to carry.

Rocksteady, which flourished in the mid-60s as a slower, more soulful evolution of ska, laid the foundations for reggae’s global rise and remains one of Jamaica’s most influential genres. With Wayne’s voice at the helm, praised by The Guardian as “emotive and effortless”, this show offers a deep dive into the sounds that shaped a nation, performed with the respect, joy and spirit they deserve.

Come hungry, leave lifted. This is reggae served rare and real, with a plateful of sunshine and a soundtrack that sings of freedom.