Quirky North London Nigerian tapas bar Chuku’s has won an £8,000 grant and – possibly more valuable in the long term – endorsement from the world’s biggest name in entertainment, Beyoncé. 

The Tottenham restaurant was one of 10 London businesses chosen to receive a grant from the singer’s BeyGOOD foundation, which has pledged to donate $1 million to businesses in cities visited during her Renaissance world tour.

Chuku’s, founded by Ifeyinwa Frederick and her brother Emeka (pictured), has already been endorsed with a strong 4 out of 5 rating for its food in the current Harden’s guide. Last year, it launched a drive to increase bookings in order to head off a threat of closure.

Emeka said: “This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis. Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday. This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”

Ifeyinwa said: “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant — it feels a bit surreal. We’d already felt her impact when she was in town and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”