MANGROVE

The true story of a restaurant and its owner in London’s Notting Hill. It is 1970 and Frank Crichlow’s tiny restaurant The Mangrove is popular with the West Indians it serves, also a hub for the community of “small islanders” and a home away from home. Until the police commence a systematic series of attacks on the Mangrove and its customers, driving Frank slowly out of business. A protest march is organised in sympathy by the London Black Panthers, but when 300 police turn up against the 150 marchers, a violent affray ensues. Nine West Indians, including Frank, are arrested and sent to the Old Bailey for a show trial which lasts a gruelling 59 days. During this time there is humour and anguish, and the outcome seems a foregone conclusion.