Welcome to London’s ‘Little Manilla’

At first glance, Earl’s Court in London seems an unlikely destination for a long-established and thriving Filipino community. But look a little closer, and turn off the hectic main thoroughfare, onto Kenway or Hogarth Road, and you’ll find Little Manilla – where the flavours of the Philippines delight.

On Kenway Road, you can swing by ‘Kamayan’: one of the best-known Filipino restaurants in the whole of the UK. Here, authentic dishes are served on banana leaves, and guests are invited to eat with their hands – or partake in a ‘boodle fight’. You’ll find ‘Lutong Pinoy’ next-door, and just across the road: ‘Tindahang Pinoy & Oriental Store’.

Take a short stroll via Hogarth Place to Hogarth Road, and you’ll find more Pinoy stores, packed full of Filipino home favourites. And, if you fancy a bit of Filipino fast-food, head back toward the main road, where you’ll find Jollibee: a much-loved titan of Filipino culture, serving up crispy, lip-smacking fried-chicken and fries.

‘Little Manilla’ is especially vibrant during celebrations of Philippines Independence Day on 12th June. A day that celebrates the nation’s hard and long-fought battle for total independence.

Meet the Filipino community in Bristol

As in many of the UK’s larger cities, Bristol is home to a vibrant Filipino community – which has evolved around Filipino churches and services. Bristol University also operates a popular Filipino Society, with regular events and socials. Earlier this year, the Filipino Association of Gloucestershire (Bristol’s neighbouring county) also brought together Filipinos from the wider area – to celebrate the nation’s food, music and culture.

If you’re looking to savour the flavour of the Philippines in Bristol, go check out ‘Aurara Kusina’. A modern twist on Filipino comfort food, it’s run by young couple Ross and Amber – and inspired by Amber’s mum Aurora, who came to the UK from the Philippines in the 1970s. The vegan-friendly menu is full of delights – we recommend the ‘Kinilaw’ and ‘Prawn Pancit Bihon’.

Filipinos at home in Birmingham

As the UK’s second largest city, it’s no surprise that Birmingham is also a popular choice for immigrants arriving in the country. And the city’s Filipino population has grown, too – birthing a well-established Association of Filipinos in Birmingham, and a popular Filipino Society at the University of Birmingham.

If you’re looking for Filipino goods, you’ll find plenty at ‘Oriental Pinoy Shop’, which can be found inside Birmingham’s bustling indoor market. And, if you’re hankering for the tastes of Manila, we highly recommend visiting ‘Manila Munchies’ or ‘Manila Flavours’. You’ll find Manila Flavours in Smethwick, West Birmingham, and the menu offers an unmissable array of Filipino goodies, ranging from seafood boil to bubble teas.

Redefining a world-leading healthcare system

The Philippines is one of the world’s biggest exporters of trained nurses. And Filipinos have long been hailed for their instrumental role in the UK’s healthcare system. You may remember that it was a Filipina nurse, May Parson, who administered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine to Margaret Keenan in 2022.

According to research conducted by the House of Commons in 2021, Filipinos comprise the third largest NHS staff group in the UK (behind only Indian and British). And recent estimates suggest that there are over 30,000 Filipinos working within the UK’s national healthcare system.

This year’s 75th anniversary of the NHS celebrates the roles Filipino nurses have played; with exhibitions such as ‘Heart of the Nation: Migration and the making of the NHS’ currently on tour, and arriving in London in 2024. The Filipino contribution was also directly recognised by the NHS more officially, when it included Filipino/Filipina as a standalone ethnic group in the workforce demographic records. A marked improvement on ‘other’; and a positive step towards greater racial equality in the UK.

Make a world of difference with WorldRemit

At WorldRemit, our mission is to empower and celebrate migrants, and help tell their stories. Take a look at our recent profile Ermar, proud Filipino Eskrima instructor in the UK.

We hope this article has shed some light on the wider Filipino community in the UK – and perhaps even made you a little hungry for some Filipino treats. For more articles head over to our blog. You’ll find a selection of helpful and informative insights put together especially for people living and working abroad.

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The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.