SERIES TWO – EDITION ELEVEN
In series two – edition eleven of our Faces of Liverpool series we caught up with Jerome Griffin, aged 34 from The Georgian Quarter; a Student, Actor and Delivery Driver.
What do you love about Liverpool?
This sounds a bit cliché but, I love the diversity, and I mean that in every sense of the word. As a food lover, I love the fact that you can find food and cuisines from all over the world here. This place is literally a foodies’ heaven! Also, the architecture and the history of this city are so hypnotically interesting. Liverpool has the oldest Chinese “and” black community in Europe which I think is just as admirable as the beautiful parks, the stately homes, the classic terraced houses and the docks. Each area has its’ own unique personality.
The area I live in (The Georgian Quarter) is literally like living in a period drama, dedicating itself to the late 1700’s. The city centre is dripping in so much history that it’s more like a massive interactive museum. You’d be amazed at the amount of historical figures who have lived or passed through this city, and what they did with their time here. As a delivery driver, I find myself discovering new places in this city all of the time, which in turn, makes me fall in love with the city every day.
Name one main thing about living in Liverpool that makes you proud?
It’s reputation. Liverpool is best known for having the friendliest, funniest and most welcoming people in the UK. For example, if someone only had a £1, they’d offer to lend you 50p. If you get where I’m coming from? In some cities where they’re known to neglect or ignore you, here in Liverpool, we seem to have all the time in the world to help others.
Also, People describe the city as having the best nightlife with still a ton of things to do in the day. As a Liverpool native, I can verify and validate that statement, haha!
If you could describe Liverpool in 3 words what would they be?
Awesome. Unforgettable. Inspirational.
Name one place in Liverpool that holds a special place in your heart?
The top of the tower in the Anglican cathedral. I don’t know if it’s still accessible because of COVID but, you used to be able to pay about £4 to got to the top and have a panoramic view of the city. But on top of that, it’s just so peaceful and calming. I go to one of our cathedrals any time I feel anxiety or if I just need to clear my head, because of that very reason.
Is there anything on your ‘Bucket List’ to do in Liverpool that your still yet to achieve?
I’ve made it my personal mission to eat at every food place/ restaurant worth going to in Liverpool. I’m currently in the middle of finishing a drama degree at Liverpool John Moores University (due to graduate in July 2021) and I wanted to be the first person to mix drama, with food reviews. As far as I know, I’m the only one doing it like this.
If you go on Tiktok, my username is TheScouseGhettoGourmet. You can also find me on Instagram by just searching Jerome Griffin. You’ll see what I mean in the first half of my videos about mixing theatre with food reviews. Beware, the language in some of my videos are a bit PG, depending on what character is doing the review! In just over a month I’ve had over 700 thousand views, so there’s some potential there!
As a Scouser, I’m slightly ashamed to say this but, I’m not that much into football, and I’ve never been inside a football stadium. I only like the World Cup, or when it’s derby day when Liverpool football club and Everton go head to head . So, I guess seeing a derby match at Anfield football stadium would be on my bucket list too.
Do you have any tales of Liverpool or claim to fame while in the city?
My brother owns a Jamaican cafe on Smithdown road called Raggas, where I worked for quite some time. And over the last 15 years we’ve fed some of the worlds most famous black public figures such as Damian Marley, Toots & the Maytals, Lee Scratch Perry, Asher D (a creator of Topboy), Ainsley Harriot, Linford Christie, I could go on.
They all loved our Jerk Chicken, rice and peas by the way haha! Because Raggas was created by people in the community, we help our community the best we can. From giving to local charities to teaching kids from the local community centre how to cook Caribbean food over group Zoom calls. Raggas may not be famous to everyone, as they may have never heard of it. But, Raggas will always be famous to me…
Follow Jerome on TikTok TheScouseGhettoGourmet and Instagram @JahjahBoogie
Would you like to be featured in our Faces of Liverpool series? Contact us now by emailing hello@explore-liverpool.com or get us on WhatsApp on 07568 532 537.
