Set to launch near Borough Market next month, the 40-cover Akara takes its name from a black-eye bean-based fritter that has its roots in West Africa.
The a la carte menu will offer a range of akaras with fillings including Carabinero prawns and vatapa (a sauce made with bread, shrimp and coconut milk); hand-dived Scallops; ox cheek; and chanterelle mushroom patê.
Other small dishes will include sinasir (rice pancake) with bone marrow and yaji; and tatale (plantain pancake), served with Senegalese hot sauce.
The main dishes offer a selection of barbecued meat, fish and vegetable plates such as labu-aged beef; dibi lamb; and aubergine dressed with chilli oil.
Desserts will include tamarind date cake; and bofrot (a Ghanaian doughnut).
The eclectic cocktail menu will feature Akoko favourites like the Cacao and Dates Negroni as well as new creations like Smoked Plantain Caipirinha.
On Stoney Street within the recently-launched Borough Yards development, the site is being designed by London-based studio A-nrd.
Design details will include exposed brick walls, carved wood façades, upholstered grey leather banquette seating, bespoke oak chairs, white limestone tables and an open seating with counter seating.
“The Akara concept has been a labour of love for quite some time, and we’ve always envisioned it here in Borough,” Akokomi says.
“We’re thrilled to bring Akara to this exceptional location, where the restaurant will serve as a vibrant celebration of the unique dishes, ingredients, and techniques that excite and inspire us.”
Akokomi launched Akoko in 2020. The kitchen was originally overseen by Theo Clench but is now under the direction of former The Fat Duck chef Ayo Adeyemi.
