London-based Nigerian chef Adejoke Bakare has partnered with Lagos Continental Hotel to promote Nigerian cuisine internationally. Bakare, a Michelin-starred chef, will bring her acclaimed London restaurant, Chishuru, to Lagos from 4-7 November 2026 for four exclusive dinners. The residency will take place at Lagos Continental Hotel in Victoria Island, marking a significant moment for the hotel and the city's culinary scene.
The residency is particularly notable as it coincides with ART X Lagos week, an event that attracts artists, galleries, collectors, and cultural leaders to the city. Rather than recreating her London restaurant in Nigeria, Bakare and her senior team will develop a menu specifically for Lagos, drawing inspiration from the city's ingredients, energy, and food culture. This approach ensures that the culinary experience will be unique to Lagos and reflective of the city's vibrant cultural landscape.
During a press conference in Lagos, Bakare emphasized her desire to transfer her culinary skills to younger chefs in Nigeria, with the aim of boosting their confidence to work and compete globally. Bakare, who wore a white apron with her team, prepared a six-course menu that showcased her culinary expertise. The menu featured dishes such as Ose-ji, Roast Yam and Oil, and Obe Dudu, which draw on the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa influences that shaped her childhood.
The menu, crafted by Bakare and her team, is a testament to her culinary journey, which spans over 25 years in London. Her experience in London has not only honed her skills but also given her a unique perspective on Nigerian cuisine. By combining traditional flavors with her London-developed techniques, Bakare aims to create a distinctive culinary experience that showcases the best of Nigerian cuisine.
Christoph Schleissing, General Manager of Lagos Continental Hotel, expressed his pride in welcoming Bakare and her team to the hotel for this extraordinary culinary residency. He noted that Bakare holds a remarkable place in culinary history as the first Black female chef in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star. Currently, she is the only Black female chef in the world still running her Michelin-starred restaurant.
The partnership between Bakare and Lagos Continental Hotel is a significant milestone for the hotel and the city's culinary scene. The residency will not only provide a unique culinary experience for guests but also offer a platform for Bakare to share her expertise with younger chefs in Nigeria. By doing so, Bakare aims to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria's culinary industry.
The four-day culinary residency will take place from 4-7 November 2026, offering guests a rare opportunity to experience Bakare's Michelin-starred cuisine in Lagos. With its unique menu, crafted specifically for Lagos, and Bakare's commitment to sharing her expertise with younger chefs, this residency promises to be an unforgettable experience for food enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
Key points
- Michelin-starred chef Adejoke Bakare partners with Lagos Continental Hotel for a four-day culinary residency from 4-7 November 2026.
- Bakare aims to transfer her culinary skills to younger chefs in Nigeria to boost their confidence to work and compete globally.
- The residency menu will feature dishes that draw on Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa influences, combined with techniques developed during Bakare's 25 years in London.