Black History Month events in London 2024

The city is an excellent place to sample African restaurants that celebrate both time-honoured dishes and contemporary creations. African cuisine in London is a melting pot of fragrant flavours, spanning Morocco's spices to Ethiopia's plant-based recipes. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of African cuisine or looking to delve into it for the first time, our guide to the best African restaurants in the capital will help you find your next African meal.

Tottenham-based Chuku's, owned and run by brother and sister duo Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, offers a contemporary Nigerian tapas experience that promotes community and sharing. With a relaxed vibe, it's perfect for trying authentic Nigerian dishes, from yam dumplings to suya meatballs. They also host brunch and intimate supper clubs.

The Black Culture Market celebrates African and Caribbean culture on October 5 and 6, marking the beginning of Black History Month. Featuring over 40 traders, attendees can explore various products, including food, fashion, gifts, books, natural skincare, toys, and African art. The event will be held at The Department Store in Brixton from 11am to 5pm on both days, with free entry and tickets available online.

Wandsworth Town BID and Southside Shopping Centre are celebrating Black History Month with a series of free events throughout October. Highlights include Kay Rufai's S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project, a month-long photography exhibition starting 1 October, Pointe Black Ballet School's Our Windrush Story performance on 30 October, and a fashion show by Fée Uhssi on 26 October, celebrating Black fashion under the theme 'Reclaiming Narratives.'

Black Rooted is hosting a one-off tour, Slave Trade Money Trail Tour – Black History Month Special, led by historian Darrel Blake, to uncover London's hidden role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. You'll learn all about how the city's wealth was built on the exploitation of African lives, from the Plantation Economy Triangle to the profits of the Lloyds family. The tour explores British slave traders, the legacy of colonialism, and how chattel slavery helped finance the Industrial Revolution, shedding light on the darker history behind London's prosperity.

We may have already spotlighted Chuku's, but Nigerian and West African cuisine in London boasts an abundance of flavours and comforting dishes, and there are many places to sample it around the city. Whether you're new to this culinary tradition or it's been a lifelong favourite, you can indulge in a delightful Nigerian meal at one of the many restaurants listed in our guide.

Year-round, Black History Walk offers insightful guided tours in significant London areas linked to Black History. Expert guides explore architecture, freedom, slavery, and more. Highlights include the Hackney Black History Walk, commemorating the SS Windrush's arrival, and the "Image of the Black in Tate Britain" tour, examining Black representation in art. Additional tours cover areas like Tooting, Soho, and Notting Hill, plus more.

London's Caribbean food scene is in a constant state of change, ranging from street-side giant drum grills dishing out mouthwatering jerk chicken to upscale Jamaican dining establishments. Since the 1970s, yard shops have been offering beloved classics like beef-stuffed patties and lamb rotis across the city. In our guide, we've curated a list of the top Caribbean restaurants in London that are a must-add to your culinary bucket-list.

The Wellcome Collection in Euston is offering a series of special Black History talks and tours this month, delving into important themes such as incarcerated labour and the cultural significance of kola nuts. These events are led by Isabelle Gapomo and each session lasts approximately 45 minutes, followed by a Q&A. They aim to provide insights into the historical context and impact of these topics.

Dark Sugars is renowned in London as a top spot for delicious handcrafted artisan chocolates, vegan sweet treats, and hot chocolate made with the finest Ghanaian chocolate. It was founded by Nyanga, an African woman passionate about sharing the cocoa journey from tree to mouth. Nyanga's quest for cocoa knowledge led her to dedicate several years to research on her family's West African farm before making her mark in Greenwich, where Dark Sugars boasts an ice cream parlour and flagship store, and also in the buzzy heart of Brick Lane.

In 1966, New Beacon Books made history as the UK's pioneering Black publisher and bookshop. It remains a vital cultural institution offering a selection of titles spanning Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, African America, Europe, South America, and Black Britain. In recent years, its significance was underscored when it faced closure but was rescued through a successful crowdfunding campaign, enabling it to thrive and evolve.

The venture of Nigerian owner Clement Ogbonnaya, Prince of Peckham, stands as a community pub where you can eat, drink and socialise in a warm and welcoming space. Enjoy street food by White Men Can't Jerk, who serve up jerk chicken, Caribbean roasts and stacks of wings, throughout the week or enjoy live music, art exhibitions, and all other events on the top floor. 

Discover authentic Ethiopian cuisine and flavours at Wolkite, a welcoming family-owned restaurant in Hollway that, while unassuming, has maintained popularity. Engross yourself in Ethiopian culture through the aromatic and hearty dishes served here, featuring both traditional meat and vegetarian options, all enjoyed atop injera you get stuck into with your hands. The drinks menu consists of various Ethiopian beers and the traditional honey wine called tej.