Adejoké Bakare’s London: A Culinary Journey Through Top Spots

Adejoké Bakare, chef and owner of Chishuru, shares her top London dining spots. She recommends Planque for celebrations, Sune for romance, and Hawksmoor for family-friendly meals. For West African cuisine, she suggests Akoko. Bakare also appreciates Peckham’s vibrancy and highlights the community spirit in Brixton and Fitzrovia, praising London’s diverse culinary scene.

In our latest instalment, renowned chefs spotlight their favourite spots in London. This time, we’re diving into the vibrant dining scene with Adejoké Bakare, the self-taught chef behind the buzzworthy Chishuru. Having won a MICHELIN Star in 2024, Bakare’s West African cuisine is capturing attention as she welcomes patrons into her warm and inviting restaurant. Now, let’s check out her recommended haunts across the city.

When it comes to celebrations, Bakare swears by Planque in Haggerston. “It’s a beautiful restaurant with a great floor team led by James; the wine list is terrific and Seb’s food is consistently wonderful,” she says, reflecting on a joyful collaboration with chef Seb Myers.

For a romantic evening, Bakare suggests Sune in Hackney. “It’s a very special neighbourhood restaurant by Broadway Market. Small and dimly lit, you’ll probably find yourself ordering too much wine!” she points out, adding to the intimate allure of this unique venue.

Bakare also has family-friendly dining in mind, notably Hawksmoor for steak lovers. She notes, “My eight-year-old nephew Victor adores steak, so I always take him to a branch of Hawksmoor, where he eats more beef than any middle-aged man.” A great indicator of a children’s favourite!

For those curious about West African cuisine, she recommends Akoko, owned by her friend Aji. “He’s got a different spin on the cuisine, blending it with French fine dining just three streets from us,” Bakare explains, providing a solid introduction to her culinary roots.

If given a day to guide an out-of-towner, Bakare has a special place in mind: Peckham. “It’s so vibrant, and there’s a huge Nigerian community. I love a good listening bar, and there’s a great one called Jumbi,” she enthuses about the lively atmosphere in southeast London.

Chishuru has had a dynamic journey through Brixton and Fitzrovia, both of which she appreciates for different reasons. “In Brixton, the sense of community was wonderful and I had easy access to ethnic produce and built strong relationships with suppliers. Fitzrovia, on the other hand, gives us a thriving lunchtime trade from tech, fashion and finance industries,” Bakare explains, showing her connection to these diverse areas.

When she finds free time, Bakare enjoys indulging in food and culture. She’s recently seen a performance of ‘Kyoto’ at sohoplace and visited the ‘As We Rise’ exhibition at Saatchi Gallery.

Bakare also loves The Connaught hotel, calling it a beacon of hospitality, explaining, “Everyone there is dedicated to providing you with the best possible experience.”

Lastly, she applauds London’s restaurant scene, noting, “The diversity of the restaurant scene is what London does best. It’s a common remark from overseas visitors at our restaurant.”

Adejoké Bakare’s insights bring forth a portrait of London as a multifaceted city bursting with culinary delights and cultural experiences.

Adejoké Bakare, the chef behind Chishuru, highlights a number of must-visit restaurants across London, showcasing her personal favourites for celebrations, romance, and family dining. With a focus on community and culinary diversity, she paints a vivid picture of her city’s vibrant dining scene, inviting both locals and visitors to explore its rich offerings. Bakare’s recommendations and reflections embody the essence of London’s dynamic food culture.

Original Source: guide.michelin.com