West African restaurant Akara opens in Borough Yards

Aji Akokomi, owner of fine dining West African restaurant Akoko in Fitzrovia, has launched his new restaurant, Akara, in Borough Yards. The 40-seat restaurant is named after the West African dish known as black-eye bean fritters, and it serves the traditional flavours of the area. London-based design studio, A-nrd, has created a contemporary space that includes the building’s original features, maintaining the exposed brick walls. Upon entering, the historical archways provide a “key focal point for guests”. The standalone six-seater bar, set within one of the arches, features a carved wood façade, juxtaposed with a bespoke natural stone countertop. The back bar display has been crafted from light oak and illuminated with soft lighting. In the dining room, upholstered grey leather banquette seating and bespoke oak chairs are paired with white limestone tables. Towards the rear of Akara, the walls feature an open kitchen which allows guests to sit at the countertop chairs while watching the chefs in action. Additionally, Akara’s mezzanine level offers a 12-cover private dining room with an oak table top and contrasting dark wood inlay. The a la carte menu includes a variety of the crispy savoury Akara fritters,with different fillings such as BBQ Tiger Prawn; Seared Hand Dived Orkney Scallop; Braised Ox Cheek; and BBQ Wild Mushroom. For mains, the restaurant serves up a selection of barbecued meat, fish and vegetable plates, such as an Ex-Dairy Sirloin Steak Suya served with Charred Roscoff Onion and Sweet Pepper Sauce; a Lagos Chicken (BBQ Poussin), with Glazed Carrot and Senegalese Hot Sauce; and a Grilled Pollock served with a sweet caramelised onion and lemon sauce, Yassa. Meanwhile, side dishes include Efik Chicken Broth Coconut Rice; the Efik Style Coconut, Ginger, Garlic Rice, with Roasted Carrot; and Plantain with Grilled Octopus and Pepper Relish. The restaurant just offers Caramelised Pineapple, Coconut Lemon Ice Cream for dessert. Lastly, the cocktail menu features Akoko favourites like the Cacao and Dates Negroni, as well as new creations like the Plantain Old Fashioned, alongside a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. The wine list is designed to complement the flavours of the dishes, showcasing “lesser known” grape varieties from around the world. The concise list features 25 bottles, with 13 available by the glass. Akokomi, owner of Akara, said: “The Akara concept has been a labour of love for quite some time, and we've always envisioned it here in Borough. We're thrilled to finally bring Akara to this exceptional location, where we know the restaurant serves as a vibrant celebration of the unique dishes, ingredients, and techniques that excite and inspire us."

West African restaurant Akara opens in Borough Yards

In the dining room, upholstered grey leather banquette seating and bespoke oak chairs are paired with white limestone tables

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