Countdown to the 27th staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards

Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards judge Pauline Edie reviews Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge

Nestled in the quiet community of Cromwell Land, a few minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of Highgate, St Mary is Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge.

Born and raised in Cromwell Land, St Mary, owner and proprietor Shantal Chin created Porchlight and Pimento as a space to sit, breathe and reset, while enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, glass of wine or a smoothie, sharing in conversation, or simply taking a moment for yourself. It is designed for peace, relaxation, and reflection; a laid-back atmosphere where time softens, worries fade and you are free to get lost if only for a while. So come, take a break, refresh your spirit and feel at home in St Mary.

The inspiration for the creation and naming of the space came from her most cherished memories with her father, the late Stephen Chin, where many meaningful conversations about life happened over a simple cup of tea, usually bush tea on a verandah. Those quiet moments of warmth and connection and the calm grounding spirit of her father stayed with her. For her, a porchlight has always symbolised warmth, guidance and welcome and pimento to reflect her Jamaican culture and roots.

According to Shantal, “I’ve always loved porchlights and the warmth they bring…they create such a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Some of my fondest memories are sitting on our verandah talking, and just enjoying those quiet moments. I wanted to recreate that same feeling, which is why the name ‘Porchlight’ – to keep it classy, warm and inviting and added ‘Pimento’ to reflect my Jamaican roots and culture and homage to St Mary, where back in the day pimento was prevalent.”

Opened just a month ago, this diamond in the rough Porchlight and Pimento is a welcome addition to the laid back community of Cromwell Land and surrounding area. It has brought a peaceful and welcoming energy to the area, especially for the young adults and the more seasoned amongst us.

The working menu includes all types of coffee (espresso, Americano, latte, cappuccino, mocha, Iced and cold brew); Mixed berry, strawberry, tropical mango and banana with peanut smoothies. Did someone say milk shakes…Yes? You can choose from Snickers, Chocolate, Vanilla and Oreo “Nano” shakes. To indulge your sweet tooth, banana bread is a must try; after all this is St Mary, or if you prefer a glazed or chocolate doughnut. Blueberry and chocolate chip muffins are also available. The chocolate chip muffin paired well with a cup of freshly made cappuccino. Other menu items include cheese/chocolate cake, bagels with cream cheese, brownies and strawberry swirl. Chantal indicated that as the space evolves the menu will expand to hot dogs, and other light hors d’oeuvres.

All aspects of Shantal’s personality and experience are reflected in the space. From her love of travel (over 30 different countries), cafés are her meeting place with friends; or where she works, or simply a space where she sits and reflects while exploring a new country; her passion for books hence the cosy nook with chairs and books, and later, the creation of a small outdoor library where people can pick up a book, sit and read for a while and enjoy the atmosphere. She also created a special wall featuring her father (and siblings) as a tribute to his memory, while honouring his name and elements of the Rastafarian culture.

So, next time you are passing through St Mary taking a pause from the hustle and bustle of life, do stop at Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge. Come for the coffee and stay for the wine.

Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge

Opening Hours: Weekdays: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, Weekends: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

Address: Lot 1 Nashville Drive, Cromwell Land, Highgate

Telephone Number: 1-658-220-6910 (Call or WhatsApp)

Website: www.porchlightcafelounge

Instagram: @porchlightpimentocafe

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Welcome to Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge.(Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

Principal Shantal Chin celebrated the opening of Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge on March 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

A cosy nook inside Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge. (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

First-time customer Cordell Grant stopped by for a cup of freshly brewed coffee. (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

A customer readies to enjoy an Aperol Spritz with a doughnut and muffin. (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

Specially invited guests raised a toast to the opening of Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

Leighton Sasso and Shantal Chin at the opening of Porchlight and Pimento Café and LoungeJOL

Porchlight and Pimento Café’s selection of spirits (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)

The Porchlight and Pimento Café and Lounge menu (Photo courtesy of Pauline Edie)