Taste of West Africa comes to Fitzrovia with new venue

A new eatery in the centre of London specialising in the cuisine of West Africa is set to launch in the autumn.

Akoko, which translates to ‘time’ and also ‘the first’ in Yoruba, is scheduled to open its doors on Berners Street in Fitzrovia at the beginning of October.

Founder British Nigerian Aji Akokomi has appointed head chef JM Chilila to lead the restaurant, which will use traditional cooking techniques of smoking, curing and fermenting to create African-inspired dishes.

The wine list has been developed by sommeliers, Honey Spencer (previously of Sager & Wilde, Noma Mexico and Australia and Nuala) and her business partner Ania Smelskaya (Silo) with an emphasis on organic and sustainable wines.

Designed by René Dekker Design, the interiors of the eatery have been designed to evoke West African rural areas, featuring terracotta clay walls, contemporary African art and bespoke ceramics.