Black History Month is more than just a moment on the calendar, it’s an opportunity to learn something new, to support new businesses, to enjoy all forms of art and creativity, to indulge in incredible restaurants, and most of all to celebrate each other, together.
Whether you’re looking to engage with your community, educate yourself, support Black-owned businesses, or simply expand your perspective by listening to different voices, there are countless ways to participate in Black History Month across London. While honouring Black British culture is not just for one month, but all year round, this is how the CF Team are celebrating Black History Month this October.
Where To Eat & Drink
Black Eats Fest
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What started as a street food pop-up has grown into the UK’s biggest Black-owned food and drinks festival. This October (11th and 12th), Black Eats Fest brings together an incredible mix of vendors – from soul food to vegan Caribbean plates, rum cocktails to sweet treats – all spotlighting the creativity and flavour of Black-owned hospitality. Go hungry and give yourself time to graze. Expect live DJs, cocktails, and a community feel that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. If you’re not sure where to start, follow the longest queue, it’s usually for a reason. By Bibiana Obahor
Ikoyi
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Two Michelin-star restaurant Ikoyi, by former school friends Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale, takes its name from a wealthy neighbourhood in Lagos, and consistently retains a spot on the World’s 50 Best. The menu is informally inspired by West-African cuisine, reimagined by the creative team so that chicken rice meets white truffle, for example, and changes in tune with British micro-seasonality. Meander through all the signature dishes with the £350 10-course tasting menu and soak in the Japandi-style interiors designed by David Thulstrup. By Ella Mansell
Chishuru
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What started as a small Brixton Village outlet – one that had people queuing for Nigerian chef and owner Adejoké Bakare’s set menus comprising dishes like ebiripo and ekuru – has evolved into a two-story masterpiece in central London. But chef Bakare’s journey with food goes back much further: while studying at university in Nigeria she also ran a fish and chip cart, later moving to London and setting up a food cart outside her church. In 2020 she won a competition that offered a three-month popup space in Brixton as the prize – and Chishuru was born. Today, find her in central London, on Fitzrovia’s Great Titchfield Street, where she plates up set menus comprising similar dishes to her (now closed) Brixton space: ekuru still features, this time served with a sweet-rice waina, alongside delicious plates like moi moi and a pepper soup that’s often served with seafood. It was here, in 2024, that Bakare became the first Black female Michelin-starred chef in the UK, as well as the only Black female Michelin-starred chef in the world with her own restaurant. By Katie Silcox
Akoko
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For a dining experience that reimagines West African cuisine with a fine-dining flair, book a table at Akoko in Fitzrovia. Chef Ayo Adeyemi’s menu blends traditional flavours with modern techniques, showcasing dishes like smoked goat with jollof rice, or signature suya lamb. Set against a warm terracotta-toned interior, the restaurant offers a sensory journey through bold spices, refined presentation, and inventive pairings — making it one of the most exciting culinary addresses in London right now. By Bibiana Obahor
Jam Delish
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Vegan or not, Jam Delish in Angel is one of the most exciting Caribbean kitchens in London. Founded by siblings Jordan and Chyna in 2020 as a modern, plant-based take on their grandparents’ traditional Caribbean recipes, it’s a chic spot bringing Caribbean soul to North London. Go straight for the plantain “goat” curry with rice and peas (a must) and one of their rum punch cocktails from the in-house bar. The menu leans playful, but the flavours are deeply authentic, making this a spot you’ll want to return to. By Bibiana Obahor
Papa L’s Kitchen
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With kitchen experience at The Ivy Covent Garden as well as Sexy Fish and Scott’s Mayfair, it was only a matter of time before Lawrence Gomez (aka Papa L) started his own restaurant – and there was no doubt he’d make it a success. Serving African-fusion dishes, the menu at Papa L’s Kitchen changes regularly but signature dishes include a 24-hour marinated lamb chop served with sweet potato cooked three-ways; a pan-fried red mullet stew served with saffron lemon rice; and a coconut chicken curry – all best ordered alongside sides such as spice plantain, tempura courgette with chilli jam, and salt cod fritters with ackee. By Katie Silcox
Enish
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For an authentic meal, head to Enish. With ten locations across London, Manchester and even Dubai, Enish has become a go-to for true Nigerian dining. The menu is extensive, featuring classics from pepper soup and egusi to jollof rice and suya, a true celebration of West African food culture. Whether you’re craving a casual lunch or a feast with friends, Enish delivers hearty flavours in a lively setting, making it the perfect introduction (or return) to Nigerian cuisine anywhere in the capital. By Bibiana Obahor
Keshia Sakarah, The Pilgrim Hotel
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Kicking off on 31 October and running until 20 December, Keshia Sakarah is the latest chef to head up The Pilgrim Hotel’s residency series. Recipe author and previous chef and owner of Caribe’ in Brixton, Keshia Sakarah will be serving up dishes that honour her Caribbean (namely Montserratian and Barbudan) heritage via saltfish accra, corn fried chicken wings, oxtail braised with soy and served with pimento and butter beans, and more. The vibrant, new menu will be on offer Wednesday to Saturday every week. By Ella Mansell
Buster Mantis & The Watergate
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Deptford’s beloved Buster Mantis has long been a favourite for its authentic Caribbean flavours, but many don’t know about its sister restaurant, The Watergate, which brings the same spirit with a European twist. Think natural wines, small plates made for sharing, from lamb to grilled tiger king prawns, all served in a low-lit, speakeasy-style space. It’s intimate, cosy, and best booked in advance. And yes, the deep-fried Oreos really are as good as they sound. By Bibiana Obahor
Things To Do & Book
Nigerian Modernism At The Tate Modern
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Although such an elusive period of art history, when we hear ‘modernism’ it’s easy for paintings by Georgia O’Keeffe, novels by Virginia Woolf, and sculptors by Barbara Hepworth to spring to mind. But, modernism is really about a rebellion from the old. The Tate’s upcoming exhibition, Nigerian Modernism (opening 9 October 2025 and running until 11 May 2026), unites an incredible array of Nigerian artists who rebelled creatively during the national independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Over 50 artists (including ceramicist Ladi Kwali and sculptor Ben Enwonwu MBE) will be on display, with work ranging from poetry to textiles to paintings and more. By Ella Mansell
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Somerset House
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Alongside Black History Month, October is a big month for art in London. The two collide at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair that exhibits at Somerset House, which runs from 16 to 19 October this year, marking its thirteenth edition. Over 100 established and emerging artists join forces in this incredible art fair, creatively showcasing the cultural richness of Africa and its diaspora via painting, photography, sculpture, textile, ceramics, and performance. A series of tours around the exhibition are available to book, to properly take it all in. By Ella Mansell
Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots, Somerset House
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Well, it’s about time – British photographer Jennie Baptise’s first major solo exhibition (ever) is opening this month at Somerset House. Running from 17 October 2025 until 4 January next year, Rhythm & Roots will showcase three decades of the artist’s photographs that each celebrate the richness of Black British communities spanning the music and fashion industries. From the iconic to the unseen, each image offers a special energy, and celebrates an incredible array of talents. As usual, the exhibition is accompanied by a pretty special programme of events including a talk between Jennie Baptiste and Normski on the 18 October, an exhibition tour with the artist herself on 6 and 22 November, and a DJ night on 13 November. By Ella Mansell
Black British Book Festival, Barbican
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The UK’s largest celebration of Black literature returns to the Barbican this October, bringing together authors, thinkers, and creatives across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s writing. Expect an inspiring programme of talks, panel discussions, live readings, and book signings, alongside opportunities to discover emerging voices shaping the literary landscape. Hear from author Jade LB as she reflects on her cult-classic Keisha the Sket or from more recent award-winning authors like Bolu Babalola (Sweet Heat) and Stephanie Yeboah (Chaotic Energy). Or simply browse to discover new authors and titles to love. By Bibiana Obahor
Not Your Superwoman
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How much do we become like our mothers as we grow older? Mother and daughter, played by Golda Rosheuvel (best known for playing Queen Charlotte in the popular series Bridgerton) and Letitia Wright (famously Shuri in Black Panther), struggle after losing their family’s matriarch, in a tale of female lineage, family, grief, and growing older. This production marks part of multi award-winning director Lynette Linton’s final season at Bush Theatre – and what a fabulous story and cast to lead it with. Before the production even hit the stage, extra dates were added due to its popular demand, so you’ll want to snap up tickets as soon as you can. The show runs until 1 November. By Ella Mansell
Black British Theatre Awards
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Back for the sixth year in a row, the Black British Theatre Awards (BBTAs) recognise excellence among the UK’s Black performers, productions and creatives. The awards have three key aims: to spotlight the “breadth and depth of Black talent in the UK theatre industry”; to “honour the accomplishments of Black performers and creatives,” showcasing how crucial they are to the success of theatre both in the UK and globally; and to “support the development of Black theatre professionals,” at the same time advocating for visibility, opportunity and equity. Nominees for this year’s awards were recently revealed and include 25 categories spanning best male and female lead, best supporting actor, best producer, best under 16, best LGBTQIA+ champion – and a lot more beyond. The best bit for us non-actors? Tickets to the BBTAs are open to the public. The awards will take place at the Piccadilly Theatre on 26 October 2025, and ticket prices range from £28.88 to £49.88. Purchase tickets here. By Katie Silcox
Young Gifted & Black, Peckham Theatre
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Autumn marks the start of the Young, Gifted & Black 2025 season which spotlights brilliant Black talents on stage via a selection of incredible performances. Each show celebrates the work of London’s array of young talents, from playwrights, performers, musicians, singers, and more. The programme is varied too, with shows ranging from Runner Girl – a show that explores the life of a young girl after she returns home from university – and Made You Look, a one-man poetry performance exploring how it feels to be an immigrant in Britain – to Young, Gifted & Black’s rendition of the theatre’s Poetry Foyer and the Sierra Leone Arts & Culture Festival which will run from 31 October to 2 November. By Ella Mansell
Black History Month Talks, London Museum
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An opportunity to learn about or strengthen your understanding of Black history in the UK, a series of talks spotlighting the lives of Londoners of African heritage spanning the 18th century are taking place throughout October at London Museum Docklands. Listen to the story of Ruby Hall, which mirrors that of many of the Windrush generation who travelled to work for the newly set up NHS; learn about the often overlooked history of people who came from the Caribbean to the UK to answer Britain’s call to sign up for the armed forces during WWII; sign up for an introduction to the museum’s London, Sugar and Slavery gallery (the aim of this talk is to help you explore the gallery in more depth and with more understanding); and hear about the 15,000 people of African heritage who lived in London during the Georgian period. All talks are free, in-person only and wheelchair accessible, but the museum advises you to sign up in advance to secure a space. By Katie Silcox
Where To Shop
Kai Collective
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Founded by Fisayo Longe, Kai Collective has quickly become one of London’s rising fashion labels, celebrated for its fusion of affordable luxury and statement design. Inspired by Nigerian culture and a love of bold dressing, the brand champions confidence and individuality. You may recognise the brand’s viral “Adesuwa” dress or have seen the collections worn by the likes of Beyoncé and Adwoa Aboah. This October, discover Kai Collective’s pieces as an expression of Black British creativity and a reminder that fashion is as much about heritage as it is about style. By Bibiana Obahor
Tolu Coker
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Tolu Coker has become one of British fashion’s buzziest names, with work that draws on her British-Nigerian heritage. Her work, which is made using deadstock fabrics and upcycled materials, is about more than just clothes, but also rarely told, emotionally profound and joyful stories of the African immigrant community. Her collection presentations are part of the narrative, and she’s previously transported audiences to a family living room and a replicate of her London studio. In September, her spring/summer 2026 offering was unveiled via a film starring none other than Naomi Campbell, herself a long-term supporter of the rising label. She’s known for her 60s-inspired tailoring, but bookmark her open-back gingham dress for next summer – it’s destined to be a surefire commercial hit. By Ella Alexander
Maison Bent
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London-based luxury fashion label Maison Bent honours Caribbean ancestry via clothing. The brainchild of Central St Martins and London College of Fashion graduate Shanna Bent, the collections draw inspiration from both the designer/founder’s time at seductive Agent Provocateur and sophisticated Roland Mouret, and fuses this with traditional styles from her Jamaican heritage for pieces that feel wearable, but with a special air of occasion. By Ella Mansell
Ewusie
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Josh Ewusie, the man behind his eponymous brand Ewusie, has built a reputation for his artful take on leather, using laser-cut leather pieces and artisanal indigo fabrics sourced from Ghana. Before he’d even hosted his first show, his talent caught the eye of Chanel, who awarded him a scholarship. His brand is influenced by his dual heritage, be it his mother’s eclectic 80s’ wardrobe or his father’s taste in music or the work of black photographer Elieen Perrier. His signature T-shirt, which reads ‘Welcome to Lewisham’ has become a cult hit, but keep an eye out for his beautiful leather work, which will undoubtedly end up fashion heirlooms. By Ella Alexander
Manketti Oil by Charlotte Mensah
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Charlotte Mensah’s Manketti Oil haircare brand is one we love and celebrate year-round (just like every other brand in this piece). As a multi-award-winning hairstylist, Mensah is such an authority on afro and curly hair textures. She’s also the founder of the excellent charity LOVE Naa Densua Foundation, which supports the next community of founders, hair stylists, and more via mentorship. By Ella Mansell
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