Chuku’s, the world’s first Nigerian tapas restaurant is getting its very own bricks and mortar site in London’s Seven Sisters, Tottenham this February 2020, after a successful crowdfunding operation earlier this year.
The brother-sister duo, Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick are celebrating a year of triumphs after receiving a number of foodie awards and accolades. Ifeyinwa and Emeka were crowned winners at this year’s Young British Foodie awards. The entrepreneurial sibling duo have also been named one of the top 20 Most Exciting Entrepreneurs in 2019 by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards who also shortlisted them as one of the 15 Most Exciting Food and Drink Entrepreneurs in the UK in 2018.
Since 2016 when they first launched Chuku’s, the enterprising duo have served countless sharing plates of Nigerian dishes at their pop-ups against a backdrop of rhythmic afrobeats, contemporary art and street photography, giving a taste of Lagos, Nigeria’s cultural capital, in what they call the “chop, chat, chill” experience.
It feels right that their first restaurant base will be in Seven Sisters, Tottenham, also known for its richness of culture and community spirit. This next step in the evolution of Chuku’s is thanks to their successful crowdfunding operation to raise “£30k in 30 days” in May 2019. They closed the campaign on 1 June 2019, having realised 120 per cent of their goal at £36,150 with 583 supporters.
The siblings are unwavering in their mission to celebrate the beauty of Nigeria. Whilst all dishes are centred on authentic Nigerian flavours, they have put a special twist on some, such as their Jollof Quinoa; a healthy spin on the traditional jollof rice and Plantain Waffles, their signature gluten-free and vegan dessert.
In addition to their signatures, the Chuku’s opening menu will see an arrival of a set of new dishes, including recipes from Northern Nigeria; home to the Hausa-Fulani tribe, whose culinary traditions often little is known about outside of the country. The drinks offering will also include a range of Chuku’s alcoholic innovations, including Zobo Sangria, a hibiscus-infused Sangria mix and a Palm Wine cocktail.
Announcing the news of their permanent new base on Instagram, the duo had this to say: “Our three-year search is finally over – we have a site, let’s pop the palm wine! Chuku’s has a permanent home and we’ll be ready to welcome you in for the #chopchatchill in early 2020.”
“We just want to hug everyone who’s supported us on this journey so far.”
Visit Chuku’s website for future updates.
