West African restaurant Shakara to close and relocate

London-based contemporary West African restaurant Shakara is to close and relocate after 18 months of trading.

The Baker Street restaurant will hold its final service on 22 March ahead of the building transitioning into a new development.

Exact details on Shakara’s relocation plans are yet to be released.

In a post on Instagram, the restaurant said: “Together, we achieved something special. Not only did we win Best New Restaurant in London 2025, but we made noise – real noise. We did Shakara. We celebrated and exported our culture the right way, creating unforgettable moments, connections and memories along the journey. This is not goodbye, it’s elevation!

“Stay with us as we step into our next chapter and continue building the Shakara legacy together. More importantly, keep doing Shakara.”

Shakara was launched in January 2025 with the support of consultant chef Ayo Adeyemi, who was previously executive chef at the Michelin-starred Akoko restaurant in London’s Fitzrovia.

Adeyemi collaborated with Shakara head chef Victor Okunowo, previously of West African restaurant Talking Drum near London’s Peckham and Isibani in London’s Knightsbridge, to develop the menu.

The restaurant was founded by Jolly Cole and was spread across two floors, consisting of a 95-cover main restaurant, cocktail bar, stage and private dining area with space for up to 150 standing guests.