Ryan McVay
Former firefighter turned chef, Ryan McVay is the founder of The Calabash Tree in Sunderland, the city’s first dedicated Trinidad & Tobago restaurant, showcasing the bold and vibrant flavours of his heritage.
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Inspired by a gap he spotted at a 2015 street food event, Ryan set out to highlight the rich culinary traditions of his heritage, naming his business after the calabash tree native to the Caribbean.
Born in Washington, Ryan’s dual heritage - a Trinidadian mother and an English father who was a classically trained chef and catering lecturer - shaped his passion for food from an early age. After 14 years in the fire service, a career-ending injury pushed him to focus on cooking full-time.
Ryan built his reputation through street food events, pop-ups and a hugely popular lockdown weekend menu, championing authentic Caribbean flavours made with spices imported directly from the Caribbean. Alongside The Calabash Tree, he also developed Cove Caribbean, a sister concept offering a fusion menu with Caribbean influence.
In 2024 he opened his first sit-in restaurant at Sheepfolds Stables, serving signature Trinidadian dishes. Ryan’s impact on the Northern food scene has been widely recognised; he was recently named a finalist in the Be Inclusive Hospitality Awards 2025 in the Caribbean food category.
Ryan’s menu celebrates North East Film talent including Ridley Scott, and combines his love of film and Caribbean food.
