Boy, 11, becomes 'world's youngest' restaurant boss with vegan Caribbean pop-up

A boy of 11 is now the “youngest restaurateur in the world”.

Omari McQueen opened a pop-up eaterie, Dipalicious, at Boxpark, Croydon, last weekend after the CEO offered him the space free for a week.

Omari learned to cook aged seven after his mum, Leah McQueen, 32, fell ill with “paralysing” migraines.Dad Jermaine taught the kids to cook for her, as he had to work.

The youngster has since given up meat and developed vegan Caribbean fare such as award-winning Dipalicious dips.

Omari then got in touch with Boxpark boss Roger Wade.

Despite being brought up on a meat-based diet, Omari decided to become vegan after watching campaigner videos online - and now cooks vegan food in the hope of 'bringing people together' (Kennedy News and Media)

Omari with his mum and dad Lean and Jermaine McQueen and grandmas Rosemary MvQueen and Carlene Fenton as well as his brother Laquarn McQueen and aunt Canika Douglas (Kennedy News and Media)

Leah recalled: “He said, ‘when I’m older I’ll have a restaurant at Boxpark,’ and Mr Wade said, ‘why wait?’

“Roger said he could give him [the site] free for a week. Now we think he’s the youngest restaurateur in the world.”

Omari said: “I’m really excited about it.”