April 2017 is home to various Eritrean, South African, Nigerian, Sierra Leoneon, Mauritian Food Pop-ups, Food Events and Supperclubs. After the rather rigorous and yawnful read of 75+ Events African Londoners can look forward to in April 2017; this read it’s a bit of a lighter and food-orientated delight. Below are some of the Best around! (Do checkout LemLem Kitchen also):
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In case you’re interested in CAMEROONIAN inspired cuisine; do checkout:
MATANGO SUPPERCLUB
{Credits: C More Vision Potography} Insta: /CarineOttou | Facebook: /MatangoSupperClub | Twitter: /OttouCarine | Blog: /CarineOttou | Also checkout: www.inspiringchefs.com
Cameroonian/French Chef Carine Ottou runs the Matango SupperClub and is founder of Inspiring Chefs. Sensational A Star Food with an AfroCentric Twist and Traditional Flavours from Cameroon is served and enjoyed live from her dining room table. Each month, MATANGO Supper Club celebrates the culture of a particular country. But it’s all about Cameroon in this article; and Carine doesn’t disappoint. Expect to enjoy Ndole, Miondo and Poisson braise amongst many delicacies. Find out more about Matango Supperclub here
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*** FEATURE: Meetup, Network Workshop with African Foodies ***
Date: Sat 22 April | Time: 12:30 – 14:00pm | Venue: Buna Oromia Coffee, 154 Royal College Street London NW1 0TA | Hosts: West Africa Cooks | Email: leslie@westafricacooks.com | Insta: /WestAfricaCooks | Twitter: /WestAfricaCooks | FB: /WestAfricaCooks | Eventbrite: here
A Very Useful Event indeed! This event in April is for anybody wishing to gather to network and discuss the business of African and Caribean food, recipes and cooking. If you are new and would like to start up in this industry please come. If you are anentrepreneur in this business looking for new contacts and wonder how you go from start up to scale up again please join us.
Please read: Three Reasons Why You Should Start An African Supper Club and Networking With African Foodies
12.45 am: Meet and Greet at Ethiopian Buna Oromia Coffee. Camden | 14.00 pm: Come support the fairtrade cafe were we will discuss in a workshop fashion * Making a Profit (Food and Drinks pairing) * Marketing (Repeat business by reviews) * Sources of Investment (and your KPI’s)
Leslie would like to have more of these meetups and in future at the new Africa Centre. Her hope is that after the meetup you will implement ideas which can be measured by the group and not just talk. Please be ready to contribute how we grow the industry. Any other problems, please send a direct message or email us at leslie@westafricacooks.com
” This is a small venue so it will be first come first to have a seat. I look forward to seeing you. Leslie”
For more info about this event; please click here
3) MY AFRICAN HOB: SUPPERCLUB
Date: Sat 8 April | Time: 18:30pm – 21:30pm | Venue: Grove Community Centre, Bradmore Park Road, London W6 0DT | Email: info@myafricanhob.com | Site: www.myafricanhob.com | Eventbrite: here
Fantastic! A newbie on our entry list. Check these guys out! This Supper Club event will take place at various venues in London. You will be served a three course menu including a delicious West African starter and dessert. You will also be served welcome drinks made from traditional West African ingredients like a warming Ginger Beer and lime drink or a Wonjo (Hibiscus flower/sorrel) cocktail. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Hammersmith Broadway Centre. Parking is also free outside the venue on weekends.
For more info on this event; please click here
4) CHUKU’S LONDON: Every Thursday and Friday @ The Canvas Cafe
Date: THU, MAR 9 – Fri April 14th | Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM | Venue: CHUKU’S @ THE CANVAS CAFE, 42 HANBURY STREETLONDON, ENGLAND, E1 5JL| Insta: /ChukusLDN | Facebook: /chukusLDN | Twitter: @chukusLDN | Email: info@chukuslondon.co.uk | Event Link: here
Come chop, chat, chill with us every Thursday and Friday till mid April at The Canvas Cafe, Shoreditch for a trip to mini-Lagos!
<< Chuku’s Nigerian tapas pop-up is bringing a taste of Lagos to London every Thursday and Friday until 14th April. Recommended by Time Out London, it’s the place to chop, chat, chill. With jollof quinoa and plantain waffles on the menu, Fela Kuti on the speakers and Lagos Monopoly (yes, it’s a thing!) on the tables, you don’t want to miss out. And remember, tapas is made for sharing, so share the good news >>
Smaller groups are always welcome to walk in. You may have to wait, depending on what time of day you visit, but be sure they’ll find you a table! If you are a party of 6 or more and would like to book, email bookings@chukuslondon.co.uk with the date, preferred time and party size in the subject heading.
For more info on this event; please click here
5) Spring is in the air: South African white wine
Date: Mon, April 3 | Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Venue: Vivat Bacchus, 4 Hay’s Lane, London Bridge SE1 2HB | Hosts: Vivat Bacchus | FB: /VivatBacchus | Twitter: @Vivat_Bacchus | Insta: /VivatBacchus | Eventbrite: here
The Vivat Bacchus restaurants, established in Farringdon in 2003 and London Bridge in 2008, are a celebration of rustic, robust food, artisan cheeses and great wines. South African in origin, they are known for the range and quality of our wines, our memorably stocked cheese rooms and a menu using daily sourced, quality seasonal ingredients from highly regarded producers. We feature rare breed meats, grilled to perfection. Come and see their famous big-Bertha charcoal oven at Farringdon! Checkout their South African ‘Wine and Dine’ experience this April. They think exceptionally well but come and find out for yourself. Tasting includes Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 and Meerlust Cabernet Sauvignon 2009.
For more info; please click here
6) Global Women in Food
Date: Sun 2 April | Time: 13:00 – 15:30pm | Venue: East Dulwich Tavern, 1 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8EW | Hosts: Female Foodpreneur Collective | Insta: /Fem_Foodpreneur | Twitter: @Fem_Foodpreneur | FB: /FemaleFoodPreneurCollective | SoundCloud: /women-in-food-podcast | Eventbrite: here
Join Female Foodpreneur Ashanti as they talk to women about how their culture has infuenced their career and business in food. Children are welcome (free) when accompanied by an adult. Glad to hear our lovely Ifeyinwa Frederick of Chuku’s LDN will be attending and on the panel along with Alissa Timoshkina of Kino Vino.
“We are super passionate about collaborating with other local business women. So we are very proud to be hosted by the Spring pop up event which celebrates the talents of local artists. This event helps communities to support local creative businesses by giving them an opportunity to meet the maker and purchase a range of unique quality not on the high street products.”
For more info; please click here
7) Standup Comedy Extravaganza In Aid of No Means No Worldwide
Date: Sunday 2nd April | Time: 7:00 PM – late | Venue: Bar 48, 48 Brixton Rd, London SW9 6BT | Phone: 07903 948894 | FB: /NOmeansNOworldwide | Twitter: @NMNW_IMpower | YouTube: /noMeansnoW | Event Info: here
Bring your friends, neighbours, colleagues, families, people you pass in the street, people whose sweaty armpits you get stuck under in the tube. No Means No Worldwide is a comprehensive violence prevention organization for girls and boys.
These guys are a school based program that uses the IMpower system of prevention and intervention training. They teach classes in 6 week cycles, three times per school year, with the number of students ranging from[masked] per cycle. Please see nomeansnoworldwide.org/ for more info. Recommended donations £10 or £5 concessions. This is based on trust (no evidence required) and you can donate something in between or more or less if you prefer.
If you cannot make it but would like to make a donation please do so at : http://nomeansnoworldwide.org/donate. Read our latest Books about African Food and be ready for Eritrean cooking.
For more info; please click here
8) IT’S JAMMA TIME: SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB
Date: Sun 9 April | Time: 14:00 – 17:00pm | Venue: Yellow Pavilion, Engineers Way, Wembley Park HA9 OEG | Insta: /JammaRekk | FB: /JammaRekk | Twitter: @JammaRekk | Eventbrite: here
Come and join these cool guys again for some Jamma Rekk fusion. Experience a taste of Barbados, Gambia and Jamaica and get a peek into our fabulous mixed heritage. Enjoy a three course buffet plus BOTTOMLESS Jamma Juice, which is our seriously dangerous rum infused cocktail!
The Menu:
Pre starter:
Fish cakes: Succulent, tasty salt fish fritters. Infused with scotch bonnet peppers, onions, parsley and fresh herbs. Served with a selection of dips
Starters
Jerk duck:Pulled duck served on a bed of salad with some tasty mango salsa on the side
Or
Jerk Plantain: Shredded plantain is served on a bed of salad and accompanied by a zesty tamarind sauce
Main
Chew I Yappa with Jollof rice: Gambian beef stew. Succulent boneless beef, cassava and potatoes cooked in a spicy tomato based sauce
or
Chew I veg with Jollof rice: This vegetarian version of a traditional Gambian dish is not to be missed. Enjoy chick peas, potatoes, carrots, cassava and spinach all cooked in a spicy tomato sauce
Dessert
Rum cake with rum sauce! This needs no explanation!
For more info; please click here
9) Little Baobab’s APRIL FOOD POP-UP
Date: Fri 21st April | Time: 19:00–23:30pm | Venue: Palm 2 Event Space, 152-156 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0QJ London, UK | FB: /LittleBoabab | Email: littlebaobabuk@gmail.com | Phone: 07864947632 | Event Link here
These guys at Little Baobab are no strangers to us! I was at there last supper club on the Friday March 24th and will be here again this April – Period! 7pm – 1am; live music will start at 8pm. Join them for a ONE NIGHT ONLY pop-up, upstairs at Palm 2 on Friday the 24th of March! ENTRY is £25 per person and includes a three-course Senegalese feast and live music from some Baobab favourites: KADIALY KOUYATE and EXPLOSIVE NZAKOMBA!
There’s limited space and BOOKING is essential – call them on 07864947632 or email littlebaobabuk@gmail.com!
Our Review: Probably the best Senegambia Supperclub in London and if not the country; Little Baobab quite simply put = rock. I’ve been there many times, Resident Chef Khadim is a man that knows what he’s doing when it comes to Thiébou dieune,Yassa, Maffé and more. Make sure you keep updated via their Facebook page to see when their next supper club will pop-up! Email littlebaobabuk@gmail.com or call 07864947632 to book your place! Yes; they’re originally Senegalese – but worthy of a place within this article amongst our Gambian brothers. (Our Recommendation)
AfricanCultureBlog is GOING TO THIS EVENT! YAY!
For more info about this event; please click here
10) FAAJI SUNDAYS: 2nd April Drunch Fest
Date: Sunday April 2nd | Time: 18:00pm – 23:00pm | Venue: Secret Location | Follow them on: Insta: /FaajiSundays | Twitter: @Faaji_Sundays & FaceBook: /FaajiSundays
Introducing Faaji Sundays, a lifestyle brand with one mantra – to positively promote our West African culture through the philosophy of FAAJI – a word which originates from the Yoruba language meaning enjoyment.
Every last Sunday of the month between 6pm – 11pm in a secret location, we aim to provide a unique cultural experience and bottomless “Drunch”- including a 4-course menu of West African food with a twist, a live band, old and new African music, and great vibes. *Drunch – An alternative to brunch, late evening boozy dinner, popular in France, and soon to be popular in the UK. London’s first drunch club is finally here.
This inclusive event will also be celebrating different music that have been inspired by our style of music to truly reflect the cultural melting pot in London. Get ready to experience FAAJI. This event is aimed at foodies with a keen interest in music, fashion, travel, culture and anyone who just wants to have a great time.
11) Dinner & Live Music: SOUL SESSIONS
Date: Sat April 1st | Time: 19:00pm –23:00pm | Venue: The Clarence Pub on Whitehall, 53 Whitehall, London SW1A 2HP | Hosts: The Clarence Pub on Whitehall | Insta: /GeronimoPubs | FB: /Geronimo & /TheClarencePubOnWhitehall | Twitter: @Geronimo | Email: theclarence@geronimo-inns.co.uk | Tickets: here
No this is not in line with an African-themed menu but the Sunday Soul Special at the Clarence with GloryG is worth a shout. The Food by the way is awesome. If you’re looking for Live Jazz and a fantastic 3 course menu developed by The Clarence’s Head Chef Sam; then look no further. GG is a joyous performer, her music seeks to inspire, take risks, resist mediocrity and demand the listener’s attention throughout.
“Gloria is a joyous performer. To work with, she is an easy-going performer who fits any format and venue. And when she sings, her laid back vibe belies a talent that runs deep and strong. You will believe every word.” Ed Stagg BBC Leicester Radio Presenter."
12) OUR FAMILY DINNER in collaboration with TOKUNBO’S KITCHEN
Venue: The Pillbox Kitchen, 115 Coventry Road, London E2 6HA | Hosts: Our Family Dinner & Tokunbo’s Kitchen | FD = Insta: /OurFamilyDinner | FB: /OurFamilyDinner | Twitter: @FamilyDinnerOrg | TK = Insta: /TokunbosKitchen | FB: /TokunbosKitchen | Twitter: @TokunbosKitchen | Email: info@tokunboskitchen.com | Site: tokunboskitchen.com | Event Tickets: here
Doors open at 7 with the first set commencing at 7.30pm, tickets £40 per person including a delicious 3 course menu and live Jazz. Family Dinner’s objective is to connect the world as a family over the dinner table.
Your home to host, attend, and celebrate family inspired dinners around the world. #OurFamilyDinner
For more info; please click here
13) LEMLEM’S KITCHEN
Date: Every Saturday & Selected Sundays in April | Time: 12pm – 5pm | Venue: 13 – 23 Westgate St, London E8 3RL via @netilmarket | Hosts: Lemlem’s Kitchen | FB: /LemLemKitchen | Insta: /LemLemKitchen | Twitter: @LemLemKitchen | More info: here
Okay; there’s always a new entry or two every month and if you’re interested in Modern African yet Authentically Eritrean Inspired Food ~ Made with Eritrean Flavours ~ then goodness me; LemLem’s ‘guest appearances’ at Netil Market requires your attention.
“Come and visit us at Netil Market where we’re open every Saturday and selected Sundays from 11am – 6pm (or until we sell out!) and try our modern African menu that uses classic Eritrean flavours to reimagine street food favourites; like Afro-Tacos, Awaze Wings and Shiro Fries as well as a special brunch menu that features typical Asmarino breakfast dishes like Ful and Fatta, but with our own Lemlem Kitchen twist of course!”
14) HOUSE OF DODO: MAURITIAN FOOD POP-UP
Date: Every Wednesday in March! Find them also at the Gherkin on March 30th | Time: Midday – late | Venue: West India Quay (Every Wednesday) via The Kerb | Email: rebecca@houseofdodo.co.uk | Phone: 07977 132931 | Insta: /HouseOfDodo | FB: /HouseOfDodoLondon | Twitter: @HouseOfDODO| Site: houseofdodo.co.uk | Event Link: here
nb: Vegetarian Option | Gluten Free Option | Halal Option | Vegan Option
HOUSE of DODO is the first Mauritian street food trader to urbanise this cuisine for London’s thriving casual dining scene. If you’re after Cocunut Beef, Spicy Lima Beans, Creole Chicken – then look no further.They currently trade in a selection of London’s most reputable markets, cater private events, and run pop up kitchens. These guys have a fast growing a reputation for a modern take on this cuisine, and delivering food packed with unique flavour combinations, colourful ingredients, and tropical island vibes.
In 2014, Founder Rebecca quit her job in corporate PR to pursue her dream of sharing Mauritian food with the rest of London. After cooking her way around the island, she returned with her much-loved Grandma’s recipes to set up HOUSE of DODO. #InspiringLady; Inspiring Story. Check them out at The Kerb
For more info on this event; please click here
15) Jamma Rekk Presents: Noir Escape
Date: Sat 1 April | Time: 11:00 – 21:00pm | Venue: 124-126 Brick Lane, (at the back of Dark Sugars) London E1 6RU | Insta: /JammaRekk | FB: /JammaRekk | Twitter: @JammaRekk | Eventbrite: here
Join Jamma Rekk every Saturday for London’s first ever weekly African Caribbean market Square. They will be selling jerk duck and fish cake wraps, Afra, rice and veg curry. Plus a few surprises every now and then. There is also Booze on sale and a DJ playing some serious tunes so come down and enjoy!
For more info; please click here
16) Lerato’s African Easter Brunch (Plantains & Shakshuka)
Date: Sun 2 April | Time: 13:00 – 16:00pm | Venue: The Joker, 58 Penton Street, London N1 9PZ | Insta: /Lerato_Tomato | Facebook: /LeratoLovesFood | Twitter: @LeratoLondon | Blog: /LeratoLovesFood | Eventbrite: here
Lerato will feast on foods from across Africa, inspired by Easter and the season of Lent. As lenten comes from Old English meaning the arrival of the spring season, she will welcome this time of new life and rebirth with bountiful fruits, vegetables, legumes served alongside a special recipe of plantains cooked in shakshuka marrying West African native produce with this much-loved North African dish.
Fasting and feasting is an Easter tradition and in true African style, we will feast on a selection of sharing plates inspired by my African heritage using traditional foods and spices complemented by ingredients from local British farms as seen in my Guardian Nigeria food columns and my recipes contributed to the BBC.
Please specify dietary requirements at the time of booking. As there is limited seating at our brunch table please early or join our waiting list to be the first to snap up seats if they become available.
This is one for lovers of culture, new adventures, and new friendships!
See you at the table.
For more info; please click here
17) SOUTH AFRICAN WINE DINNER
Date: Fri, April 28 | Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Venue: Hotel du Vin & Bistro Wimbledon, West Side Common, London SW19 4UE | Hosts: Hotel du Vin Wimbledon | Insta:/hotelduvin | Twitter: @HotelDuVinBrand | FB: /HDV.Brand | Eventbrite: here
Join Hotel du Vin Wimbledon for this engaging, fun and interactive South Africam wine dinner, with Master Sommelier Nigel Wilkinson. They will introduce six wines from the best regions of south Africa all perfectly paired to a wonderful menu prepared by our head chef.
£65 per person, including arrival drink & canapés, three course dinner and six fantastic wines followed by coffee and petit fours.
For more info; please click here
18) Chop X Beats – Day Party
Date: Sun 30 April | Time: 15:00 – 22:00pm | Venue: White Post, 92 White Post lane, Hackney, London E9 5EN | Hosts: Cams X Bikes | FB: /CamsXBikes | Insta: /CamsXBikes | Email: info@chopxbeats.co.uk | Eventbrite: here
Come and enjoy authentic West African cuisine and 100% old school hall party vibes from 3 pm till 10 pm – set in one of Hackney’s secret gems, complete with a riverside terrace. Get your dancing creps ready! Legendary DJ Nore is back with another session of party hits straight from the motherland! Music policy – Afrobeats * Highlife * Reggae * Hip-Hop * Old SchoolIt’s not a party, without Mama J’s Jollof rice.
Full of flavour West African cuisine will be available for purchase:-
Jollof rice | Kelewele | Chicken | Salmon | Kra Kro (plantain dumplings) | Yam plus much more!
For more info about this event; please click here
19) The Best African and Caribbean Food Competition Award Ceremony 2017
Date: Sun 30 April | Time: 16:00 – 19:00pm | Venue: Jubilee Hall, Tulse Hill Estate, Tulse Hill, Brixton SW2 2LY | Hosts: Afrikan Family Works | FB: /TheAfrikanFamilyWorks | Twitter: @AfricanFoodHall | Insta: /afrikanfoodhall | Phone: 07783 188100 | Eventbrite: here
Organisers of the UK’s biggest African and Caribbean food competitions spent 6 weeks last November to December discovering some of the best cooks and bakers championing traditional African and Caribbean cuisine. Producers of the food competition will be providing a lavish evening with live music and entertainment. They are also planning to provide a traditional 3-course meal for guests and contestants along with a vegan option.
“This is a strictly friends and family-orientated event and therefore we have only made available a limited number of tickets to the public. If you want a ticket then please purchase your ticket as soon as you can. No more tickets will be released. Please note that TASTY AFRICA TASTY CARIBBEAN FOOD TASTING FESTIVAL will be happening from November 2017 and tickets will be on sales in the summer.”
(The award ceremony takes place at the competition’s new home of Jubilee Hall on Tulse Hill Estate, south London on Sunday April 30, 2017)
For more info; please click here
20) NAIJA INFUSIONS: STREET FOOD
Date: Sat 15 April | Time: 18:00 – 22:00pm | Venue: London cooking project, Ethelburga Street, Battersea, London SW11 4AG | Insta: /AwesomeDishes | FB: /NaijaInfusions | Twitter: @AwesomeDishess | Phone: 02037127070 , 07448261087 | Email: info@naijainfusions.com | Site: www.naijainfusions.com | Snapchat: Awesomedishes | Eventbrite: here
Come with me to NIGERIA and enjoy fantastic taste of Lagos Nigeria, West Africa street food. The evening will include delicious servings of Four course meal which include canapes served with their choco milo cocktail to welcome you. What to expect, tantalising inspired twist on famous street food found across the streets of Lagos, eaten and loved by every lagosians. Awesome Dishes promise good music, wine, cocktails and vibe that will leave you, looking forward to their next supper club. 100% CHILDREN FRIENDLY
MENU:
Starters – Akara (Fried beans fritters) mini sandwich bite and spicy fruity salsa
Mains (1). Boli (grilled plantain) with fried whole mackerel and agoyin sauce (V)
OR
Mains (2). Ofada rice with mix assorted meat ayamase sauce and dodo ikire
Dessert- Steaming hot buns, with Suya spice homemade ice cream & zobo coulis
For more info; please click here
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