The Caribbean is being well represented in London at the moment. Rihanna’s in town (both in real life, and in waxwork), it’s Black History Month, and there’s this new exhibition of photos from the Caribbean at the Redbridge Museum.

So, if you’re looking for a slice of Dominica in London, Island to Island: Dominica, Barbados and Britain is the show for you.

Island to Island: Dominica, Barbados and Britain is a collection of photographs exploring the links between East London and the Caribbean at the Redbridge Museum. The photos are complemented by stories of migration and experiences of living on the islands of Dominica and Barbados, and in Britain.

Photographer Tim Smith, who spent his childhood in Barbados and Dominica, shares his collection of photographs featuring the Dominican community in East London and Bradford and images taken on the two islands.  There are also photographs by Tim’s father, Derek Smith, showing everyday life on the islands during the 1960s.

One image features 76-year-old Wade Bells outside a fish and rum shop in Wesley, Dominica. Wade lived in Ladbroke Grove in London during the 1960s and has now retired to Dominica. 

The museum is also holding Caribbean-themed activities during October half term week.  Young visitors can enjoy stories and songs about carnival in the Caribbean on 25 October or join an arts and crafts session to make your own mini Caribbean island on 26 October.

Island to Island is at the Redbridge Museum until 31 December. Entrance is free. Visit www.redbridge.gov.uk to find out more.

In the traditionally French area of South Kensington you can find a little taste of Denmark at Scandinavian restaurant Madsen. I went along to investigate for our World in London challenge.

After I’d admired the typically Scandinavian interior (think pale wood floors and lampshades by Danish designer Poul Henningsen), restaurant manager Karolina Vithen talked me through the menu.  

The lunchtime special is “smushi” – a smaller version of the traditional Danish sandwich called smørrebrød. Toppings include Greenland prawns and Norwegian Jarlsberg cheese. Alternatively, you can go for the herring platter served with homemade rye bread.

In the evening, Danish dishes include sweet cured herring, frikadeller (pork meatballs with green cabbage and pickled cucumber) and fiskefrikadella (pan-fried haddock fishcakes with lemon marinated cauliflower, pea shoots and dill relish).

Everything looks fresh and healthy. “It’s quite light food, especially in summertime,” confirms Vithen.

The restaurant has a strong environmental policy and only imports wine and beer from Europe, not the New World. There’s a choice of Danish drinks, including AErø beer from a little micro brewery on the island of AErø, and 40% Akvavit shots, normally drunk with herring.

Madsen is a gathering place for Danish, Swedish and Norwegian ex-pats. “Scandinavians like to go to a place where you can get the traditional food,” says Vithen. “We try to do all the different traditions from all the countries.”

The restaurant regularly hosts seasonal events. Next up is a month-long Swedish crayfish festival starting on 19 August.

Perhaps less traditional is the new Scandinavian afternoon tea, including homemade petit fours, two smushis, coffee and a glass of champagne. “It’s a mix between the British and the Scandinavian high tea,” explains Vithen.

All of the staff are Scandinavian. Vithen hails from Sweden, while the owner, Charlotte Kruse Madsen, and chef, Esben Muhlig Sørensen, are both Danish.

“A lot of people come here and don’t know much about Scandinavia so we have to explain the food,” says Vithen.

So where should Scandinavians head for a taste of home while in London? Vithen recommends the Danish, Swedish and Norwegian churches: “If we need any help we just put a notice up there.”

“There’s Totally Swedish in Warwick Avenue, and this little café, Fika, on Brick Lane. There’s a lot of Scandinavians here so there’s plenty if you know where to go.”

Have you experienced Danish culture in London? Let us know your recommendations.

www.madsenrestaurant.com