An ambitious new West African restaurant has opened with little fanfare in Baker Street. Shakara, close to Marylebone’s Chiltern Firehouse, offers cooking inspired by Nigeria, Ghana and The Gambia accompanied by live music.

Chef Ayo Adeyemi is overseeing the menu as consultant executive chef following a two-year stint at highly rated restaurant Akoko, while former MasterChef: The Professionals semifinalist Victor Okunowo is head chef.

The spacious operation is set over two floors, including a main restaurant, cocktail bar and two private dining areas, and is kitted out in earth-coloured tiles reflecting the red soil of Nigeria, hung with work by contemporary African artists. There is a stage for resident DJs and live performances spanning Afrohouse, Afrobeats, R&B and house music.

Co-founder Jolly Cole 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 experience. 

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

Jolly and colleagues Osa Bazu and Dejare Doherty run seven venues internationally, including  restaurant Puro, rooftop lounge Topp and bar Silk Lagos in Nigeria.