Akara is the highly anticipated new West African restaurant from Aji Akokomi, the mind behind Akoko restaurant in Central London.

Upon entering Akara, the archways of the space provide enticing focal points, from the glass-clad arched façade to a pair of alcoves. With a sustainably minded approach which is opposed to overbuilding, A-nrd Studio reduces the impact of each interior project by re-imagining and valorising existing features. Here, the exposed brick walls are a key feature to the interior. Together with a polished concrete floor, the brickwork creates a textural blank canvas for a restrained material and colour palette of neutral tones and natural and organic materials. Layered together throughout the space the result is an understated and diaphanous interior.

A large, statement cocktail bar is to the left of the main dining area. Designed by A-nrd Studio it features a unique carved oak wood façade. This subtle and intriguing texture is contrasted by a smooth white limestone skirting and chunky countertop surface. This monolithic bar is carefully balanced by a minimalist back bar nestled deep inside an arched alcove.

The generous use of natural light from the expansive glass façade warms the interior of the main dining space with sleek black architectural tracked spotlights suspended from the ceiling adding directional illumination where needed. In line with the brief of “nothingness”, the decor is minimal with planting around the plan adding bursts of colour. The minimal decoration causes details such as the rich wood grain, the limewashed wall accents and the artwork to pop.

At the rear of the restaurant, accessed through the central archway of the plan, an open kitchen counter creates theatre with the buzz of the pass visible to diners. Seating 4, the space here is softened with a more expansive use of limewash on walls, creating an intimate atmosphere. A niche corner table also seats 4 and is illuminated by an overhanging brass floor lamp with paper shade. Offering views of the entire restaurant it is the perfect spot for people watching.

The mezzanine level is home to Akara’s private dining room. Renowned for their original and highly crafted approach to furniture design, A-nrd Studio crafted a large sculptural table which seats 12 that can be separated into four smaller tables. Custom made from oak to create a cohesion between floors, it features a rich, contrasting dark wood inlay – a nod to the black-eyed peas which is one of the main ingredients used at Akara.