Iroko, a gastro pub and grill in Brixton, South London

It was with great expectations that I made the bookings to Iroko Gastro-pub & grill: the venue looked quite glam and the menu, with its mix of Nigerian, Ghanaian and Portuguese food, was rather appealing.

Pushing the doors of the venue, my friends and I were pleasantly surprised. Spread on  2 floors Iroko is decorated with African and Portuguese artefacts from floor to ceiling: masks, pots and vases, and colourful artwork were some of the most striking objects put on display. Seats were made of beautiful dark wood. After a warm welcome by the manager, we sat and sipped a few cocktails while waiting for the rest of the party to arrive. The background music was a pleasant mix of hip-hop and soul. Things started going downhill when we got ready for dinner.  We were supposed to be 10 people but ended up being 14 so tables had to be moved around… by us. Neither the manager, nor the waitress, bothered to help. We were finally ready to pass our orders when we heard that there was “no chicken tonight”! If you’re an African, you will understand how surprised we were! If you’re not, imagine going to a steakhouse and hear that indeed there is no steak tonight. There was not enough tilapia either, no seabass, suya or yam. We ended up ordering grilled king prawns and kelewele (tasty fried plantain with Iroko special hot spices), baked red snapper, grilled tilapia and meat stew (lamb and beef) served with plain rice or rice and peas. The dishes were tasty, spicy (but not too hot) and well presented. Prices were reasonable, and service was prompt though it could have been more efficient.

We left the restaurant in a good mood but with the feeling that Iroko did not quite deliver on its promise. We’re quite prepared to give it another chance, though. With a little improvement on customer service and management, Iroko could easily become as popular as Caribbean restaurant Cotton’s.

226-228 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1HE
07728 667 820
Iroko website