If there is anything we thoroughly appreciate, it’s good food. We love dining out and salivating over delicious food in restaurant settings but we also enjoy eating in the comfort of our own home. This brings us to Joosy Gastro, a food delivery service in Barcelona that delivers succulent Caribbean soul food to your doorstep. We’ve ordered several times and each time, we regret not ordering more for the week. Dishes include a Roxy Vegan Bowl which includes: jerk jackfruit, rice and peas, dumplings and plantain and then there’s classic Joosy Jerk and fragrant lamb curry for meat-eaters. Leon, the founder, explains how it all started and what to expect next.

What's your name, and where are you from?

My name is Leon Jackson and I was born in Bristol, UK. My parents are Jamaican and French.

How long have you lived in Barcelona?
I’ve been living and working in Barcelona for 11 years.

We've been following you for a while, after being introduced to you by Bistrot Levanté. How did Joosy Gastro start?

Joosy Gastro has been an idea I’ve been toying with for many years now. I wanted to change my career from nightlife and the music events business and the pandemic sped things up. I was one of the directors at the Barcelona EDITION hotel for arts and culture, then COVID-19 happened. I wasn't convinced the hospitality industry would be returning any time soon, so I decided to take action and control. I love food and I want to represent my culture through food and music. Also, with freedom of movement heavily restricted I wanted to bring something to the table which was not already being offered. I truly believe that we can use food as a way to escape through taste and smells. At Joosy Gastro, we transport you to the Caribbean, mostly Jamaica for now, with our food. We do delivery and pick up food only. We came up with the idea to invent the Culture box - which provides you with food, music and art, adding value and a unique customer experience. Customers get to eat and listen to music curated by local and international DJs. We also feature artwork by local and international artists, as we want to help our community in these hard times.

How would you describe your food?

We offer honest plates of food, made with love and a lot of attention, juicy and spicy at the same time. It makes you feel good after eating.

How do you see things post-Covid 19?

I’m really not sure if I’m honest, I just don’t think we will be as free as before which would be a shame.

Best place to eat comfort food?

Joosy Gastro for sure, one of the reasons for Joosy Gastro came from being bored with a lack of choice on Glovo, Ubereats and so on: burger, sushi kebab, pizza for me that’s so 90’s the foods been done now it’s time for Barcelona to experience Caribbean food.

Favourite place to go to unwind?

My favourite place to unwind is Zanzibar by a mile.

Best hotel experience?

The best hotel experience would be the Edition Hotel, the staff the love and attention they pay to guest is really something, plus I used to put on the best events to get people connecting.

You link food with music and people. What's on your playlist right now?

On my playlist is Madlib, a crazy good producer who creates beautiful music.

Gastronomy