The Bugle’s recipe queen Emma-Louise Stewart opens her tearoom cum café cum lifestyle space
So what’s Treats & Ting all about?
For me. it’s a lifestyle spot. With food made from scratch, a playroom for children as well as the hub for life-enhancing events. Treats & Ting is a place for people to get together, read, do some work and hang out.
What’s on the menu?
Authentic Caribbean food and European food with a Caribbean twist. Coming from a part-Jamaican background but growing up in England, I was brought up on, like most of us, spag bol, fish and chips, sausage and mash. But at weekends our household always upheld the Caribbean traditions of soup (like red peas and lamb neck) on Saturdays, rice and peas on Sundays. I hope our fusion of delights reflects Brixton’s delicious variety.
How did you get into cooking?
I’ve always loved to cook. A good bite of food, friends over and some good music is a night in heaven for me. I also never wanted my son to grow up on jarred or processed food so I began cooking and baking much more frequently. Experimenting with all flavours to create fun, interesting treats and bites is always rewarding. At the age of 10 my son was diagnosed with coeliac disease which also inspired me to create alternative recipes for practically everything.
Will you be in the kitchen?
I will, of course, be around at the shop, as all foods are made with my recipes and I’m a bit of a control freak for quality. I’m currently doing an MA at SOAS, so I’m having to juggle many balls!
What’s your food philosophy?
I believe in a balanced diet with fresh food made from scratch, eating regularly and never skipping meals. A little something naughty also never hurt anyone.
What kind of events are you planning?
Treats & Ting will be host to a number of different events, including community-focused meetings, creative sessions, kids clubs and lifestyle activities including crafts sessions and cult film nights. January will also see us launch a language exchange two nights a week. And of course, people who just want a friendly space to work, chat and grab a coffee.
25 Tulse Hill, SW2 2TH | treatsandting.com | @TreatsandTing
