2nd March 2010: Successful bar owner Dean Charles and his partner Darren Thomson have created the right mix for their bar ‘Blend’ in Wandsworth, London. 

Take Jamaican barbecues, RnB Karaoke, promotional nights, dances, DJs; add a range of assorted rums, fresh juices, punch, flavoured sambuccas alongside vodkas and you are enjoying a night at South West London’s funky black venue.

What’s unique about Blend? “Everything,” smiles Dean, “There is no other West Indian bar down here, no other black venue,” he adds. Blend is an extension to Dean’s first bar; Royal Oak. “It made sense to take on a bigger place,” he explains.

Blend offers an eclectic range of entertainment from comedy nights, dances, DJs, RnB Karaoke through to after work parties. The bar walls display boutique art works sourced from Ghana and individual artists who are looking to display their designs. Dean also has plans to place additional black and white art on the bar’s upper floor.

Dean offers a range of Jamaican dishes on his menu including callaloo plus vegetables, curry mutton, jerk chicken, fried snapper and other chicken dishes. Plans for the future? “I will develop the food menu, do more outside catering, delivery, more deserts, also expand the music and comedy nights,” he says.

Events at Blend wine bar have included fund raisers for Haiti, birthday parties and reunion nights.

The bar is a spacious, well-lit and friendly establishment. The interior has comfortable sofas, large wooden bar, an outside area and reading material available. Blend has a calm vibe and there are superb fresh traditional dishes including a takeaway option on the menu. Dean works with the Jamaican Barbecue Centre to offer this popular cuisine as customers stream in to order lunches.

Dean is ambitious with sound business skills and excellent customer relations. He appears grounded, conscientious and on top of his game, a truly refreshing, positive character.

What is his advice for young black people wishing to open a business? “Have faith, try to be professional and don’t let knock backs stop you. Once you start something it becomes easier” he says.

Blend bar is open from Monday to Thursday, from 12 until 9pm. On Friday and Saturday the bar has an extension until the early hours of 4am as the clientele whose age ranges from 25 years upwards get down and party to a live DJ, dance, live acts or a promotional night. Dean offers a take-away lunch for £4 and Blend has daily happy hours from 12-2.30pm then 5-8pm. Customers can buy one get one free on shots, house spirits and bottled beers. Dean can also whip up the unique Blend cocktail for customers to get the party started.

Blend wine bar is located at 111-113 Wandsworth High Street, Wandsworth, London, SW18 4HY.