People in the British East Midlands no longer have to catch a flight to taste an authentic Bermudian fish sandwich.

Islander Dale Benjamin is opening Hooked Café and Grill, a Bermuda-themed eatery in Nottingham, England, offering staples such as macaroni and cheese, peas and rice and fish dinners.

“I would eventually like to start a franchise,” Mr Benjamin said.

The former cricketer and veteran pastry chef hopes to educate the surrounding community about the food and culture of his homeland.

“It gives me an opportunity to talk about Bermuda, because a lot of people around here do not know about it,” he said. “If they have heard of it, they always think of the Bermuda Triangle.”

Mr Benjamin said people in England were often surprised to learn Bermuda is a British colony.

“There is a sizeable community of Bermudians in Nottingham,” he said. “You don’t see them as much, but they are out there.”

Many people from the island go to Nottingham, or nearby areas, for university.

Hooked has several Bermudians staff members including chefs Garrick Williams and Michael Ingham and restaurant manager Kelly Darrell.

Mr Benjamin’s hope is that Hooked will become a training ground for other Bermudians.

He comes from a foodie family. His cousin is retired Bermuda College culinary arts professor Fred Ming. However, one of his biggest inspirations has been his mother, Renee Benjamin.

“When she started making cakes when I was little, I used to watch her,” he said. “When I grew up, I took it further. She has helped me a lot on my journey and believes in what I am doing. It is because of my mother’s belief and support in me, that I was able to keep going forward with this project.”

His mother’s cookie recipe will be used in the restaurant.

Mr Benjamin has worked in the baking industry for 26 years in England, France and Kenya. Before starting Hooked, he was working as a chef at Brewhouse and Kitchen in Nottingham.

“I lived in Nottingham before playing a little cricket, then went back to Bermuda,” he said. “I returned to Nottingham three years ago.”

The hardest thing about opening Hooked was finding a location.

“I wanted the café to be open plan and I wanted to start from scratch with the design,” he said.

After he found a place at 149 Sneinton Dale Road, the next challenge was funding. He received help from British Business Bank’s First Enterprise business accelerator programme.

His friend, Winston Davis, also helped him with refurbishments and building projects in the café.

Mr Benjamin hopes to have Hooked open by September 27, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. There will be a few tables and chairs inside but it will be primarily a take-out menu.