Born of the love of gastronomy between two childhood friends, Ikoyi has charmed gourmets with its singular flavours.
This London restaurant, which has earned its place in the Michelin guide, is above all the story of a meeting, or rather a reunion. Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale. The former, who hails from the north-west of England and holds degrees in languages and philosophy, initially worked in the business world. But he was drawn to the world of gastronomy. A chance conversation with a childhood friend and now business partner, Iré Hassan Odukale, opened up a world of possibilities. A new restaurant concept took shape. A period of intensive research followed, culminating in a series of dishes with international flavours, the aim of which was to forge a new culinary narrative. Relying on Iré, he began to combine his culinary skills and ideas with British ingredients. The result? Menus with West African accents, surprising the senses with a balance of heat and umami.
As for Iré Hassan-Odukale, he was born in Lagos, Niger, in the Ikoyi District. His family was steeped in the world of business. At the age of 16, he came to England. He felt homesick, especially for the bold flavours of his childhood. It was also here that he first met Jeremy Chan. As an adult, he immersed himself in the world of business, but in his case too, a taste for the art of the table was never too far away. He developed restaurant concepts in East London, experimenting with all aspects of the industry. It was alongside Jeremy Chan that he launched Ikoyi. Must-try dishes include hibiscus and fermented Scotch chilli; mussel custard, saffron and Kaluga N25 caviar; plantain, spicy Efo and roasted peanuts; and smoked Jollof rice.
Ikoyi
180 Strand, Temple, London (England)
Lisa Agostini
England – Londres