Chef Ayo Adeyemi named consultant chef at upcoming West African restaurant in London

Chef Ayo Adeyemi has been named consultant executive chef at Shakara, a contemporary West African restaurant opening in London’s Marylebone later this month.

It comes after Adeyemi announced his departure from Akoko in London’s Fitzrovia in September last year.

During his tenure there as executive chef, he won the West African restaurant its first Michelin star.

Adeyemi will be working with head chef of Shakara, Victor Okunowo, previously of West African restaurant Talking Drum near London’s Peckham and briefly of Isibani in London’s Knightsbridge, to develop the menu.

Okunowo was also a semi-finalist of BBC MasterChef: The Professionals 2020.

The pair will be offering dishes that pay homage to the flavours of Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia with a modern twist.

The restaurant spans 6,000 sq ft and is spread across two floors, consisting of a 97-cover main restaurant, cocktail bar, stage and private dining area with space for up to 150 standing guests.

Shakara has been designed by architect Red Deer and features terracotta tiles resembling Nigeria’s red soil, as well as a selection of abstract artwork from Red Door Gallery, which specialises in African contemporary art.

Guests will be able to dine to Shakara’s resident DJs and live performances of Afrohouse, Afrobeats, R&B and house music.

Jolly Cole, founder of Shakara, said: “Shakara was born from a simple concept – to export the African palette to the world whilst maintaining international standards. Our aim is to simultaneously entice the five senses – taste, sound, smell, sight and touch – to provide our guests with the most memorable experience.

“Shakara offers a twist on contemporary dining, with carefully curated ingredients, ambience and entertainment from Afro culture.”

Shakara is opening on 31 January 2025.