THE BLACK-OWNED RESTAURANTS AND BARS TO SUPPORT IN LONDON

“When it comes to quality restaurants and bars, the capital is absolutely bursting with them. But do you know who’s pulling the strings? Shining a light on Michelin-starred African spots, tiki-style cocktail hideaways and authentic Caribbean favourites, these are London’s black-owned restaurants and bars that you should be supporting. ”

James Cochran is dishing up some fine plates.

North

Uncle John’s Bakery: Specialising in Ghanaian sweet bread, mini doughnuts, cakes and pies, Sam Mensah’s Tottenham bakery is carrying on from where his parents, and original founders, left off.

12:51: Helmed by award-winning chef James Cochran, 12:51 is the Angel restaurant that shines a light on buttermilk jerk chicken and scotch bonnet jam.

Enish: Head north of the river where this Finchley Road favourite is cooking all sorts of Nigerian favourites, from jollof rice to pepper soup.

Sweet Handz: This Ghanaian spot creates authentic dishes from suya kebabs and spicy lamb chops to fried red snapper with pounded yam. Head to Holloway Road to see for yourself.

Mama Africa: Located just seconds from Hendon Central station, Mama Africa does exactly what it says on the tin. Expect a taste of Nigeria on Watford Way.

Mama Calabar: Specialising in West African cuisine, this Hendon restaurant serves everything from giant snails and chicken wings to cassava fries and ogbono stew.

Rayaan: Head to N17 where Rayaan is bringing a slice of Somalia to Tottenham. We’re talking beef suqar, eggs with canjeero and rooti, and other traditional dishes.

Hip-hop heavyweights Krept and Konan are mixing up more than music.

South

Prince of Peckham: Helmed by Clement Ogbonnaya, Prince of Peckham is the South London institution that’s known for its wild parties, pop-up events and stunning rooftop space.

805 Restaurant: A favourite among many generations, 805 is a staple on Old Kent Road. Expect authentic West African cuisine in a chilled out setting.

Crepes And Cones: Fusing top notch food with the UK’s finest music, this Croydon favourite has been commanding queues around the block. Founded by musical duo Krept and Konan, it's all about soul food and shakes.

Three Little Birds: From Brixton to Clapham, Three Little Birds is serving up Jamaican-style food and drinks. Founder April Jackson is bringing you honey-jerk wings, vegan brunch and rum cocktails underpinned by Bob Marley vibes.

Trap Kitchen: Head south of the river where this Balham restaurant is bringing you crab clusters, lobster tail and Oreo waffles. What started out as takeaway has become quite the institution, founded by Prince Cofie Owusu aka Shakka.

Fish, Wings, And Tings: It’s all in the name at this Brixton hotspot. Owner Brian Danclair knows exactly what he’s doing, with dishes for meat-lovers and veggie alike.

Negril: If you’re after no-frills dining in the heart of Brixton, then Negril is the place to be. Think burgers, curries, seafood and more with outdoor seating for those sunny days.

Healthy Eaters: Jerk chicken, fried red bream, slow-cooked oxtail and bread pudding are just the tip of the iceberg at this restaurant on Electric Avenue.

Etta’s Seafood Kitchen: Keeping things simple with wooden tables and understated decor, this restaurant in South London keeps the focus firmly on food. Tuck into shellfish, scotch bonnet spice and veggie dishes in Brixton Village Market

Eat of Eden: When it comes to black-owned businesses South London is home to some of the best. Get down to Eat of Eden Clapham and Brixton outposts for vegan restaurants showcasing sweet potato curries, mushroom burgers and ackee with grains.

Buster Mantis: A bar, cafe and creative space all under one roof, Buster Mantis is shaking things up in Deptford. Owned by Gordon McGowan, this one's got a regularly changing menu, local beers and lots of rum.

Caribe: South London's Caribe is all about authentic West Indian food. Missing carnival this year? Get your Caribbean fix with a trip to this Pop Brixton fave.

I Go Chop: Satisfy your West African cravings with something from this Camberwell favourite. Think beans and plantain alongside rice and stew... so good that it's featured on The One Show and Sunday Brunch.

Lobster & Grill: With branches in Sutton, Chiswick and Croydon, chef Malcolm John is a bit of an expert when it comes to food. Try his Atlantic prawns, chicken liver and brandy parfait or mixed berry parfait to find out for yourself.

Check out Hacha for tequila and mezcal sips.

East

Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen: Zoe is behind one of the best black-owned restaurants in London. She's known for pop-ups, supper clubs and private dining in Hackney and beyond.

Only Jerkin: From Bethnal Green to Birmingham, Only Jerkin dishes out burgers, nuggets, mango strips and 'big boi box deals' that give you a little bit of everything.

Hacha: Specialising in all things agave, Deano Moncrieffe knows a thing or two about drinks. Check out his Dalston bar for Champagne palomas and the infamous Mirror Margarita.

Andu Café: If you like the sound of BYOB drinks matched with vegan Ethopian food then it's time you gave Andu Café a go. That means spiced lentil stews, veggie platters and more in Dalston.

Caribbean Kitchen With a vegan sweet potato and chickpea special for plant-based diners alongside curried chicken and fried dumplings, Caribbean Kitchen has something for everything in Hackney.

Tracks & Records: Whether you came for late night drinks or a hope of catching owner Usain Bolt, an evening at City bar and restaurant Tracks & Records should be on your agenda.

Island Social Club: An East London gem, Island Social Club is the restaurant that cooks contemporary Caribbean cuisine in the heart of Haggerston.

Dark Sugars: If you like mouthwatering sweet treats and indulgent hot chocolates, then you’re going to love this Brick Lane pick led by founder Nyanga.

Red Rooster: Situated in Shoreditch’s Curtain hotel, this restaurant and party bar is popular for boozy brunching, late-night dinners and more.

Little Baobab: Check out this Clapton restaurant for genuine Senegalese soul food, pop-up events and live music. Expect NYC feels from owner Marcus Samuelsson.

Rhythm Kitchen: Owned by Delroy Dixon – aka The Jerkfather – this authentic Caribbean establishment has locations in Walthamstow and Stratford.

Get to know Sly Augustin's award-winning bar.

West

Trailer Happiness: A West London institution, Trailer Happiness is the rum-fuelled bar owned by Sly Augustin. Think tiki drinks, tropical feels and a party-ready vibe all weekend long.

Hilltop Roti: Located in West Ealing, Hilltop Roti is all about rotis, curries and macaroni pies washed down with pineapple punch.

Jay Dees Caribbean: This fuss-free Caribbean favourite lies in the heart of Notting Hill. Get down to Lancaster Road for West Indian classics.

Founded by head chef Jeremy Chan and co-owner Iré Hassan-Odukale, Ikoyi is shining a light on high-end African food.

Central

Saint Aymes: Famed for its Instagrammable exterior, Saint Aymes is the Central London café and restaurant that’s run by sisters Michela and Lois Wilson.

Ikoyi: African restaurants in London often go unchecked by Michelin, but not this one. With raspberry salt-topped plantain, Jerusalem artichoke moin moin and fancy fried chicken, it’s not hard to see why Ikoyi is so lauded.

Jamaica Patty Co.: With founder Theresa Roberts and executive chef Collin Brown steering the ship, this Covent Garden pick is bringing you Jamaican patties, rum cakes and more.