Skip to content
Beyonce gives North London Nigerian restaurant that was facing closure £8,000
A popular Nigerian restaurant in North London has been one of 10 winners to receive a grant from superstar Beyoncé. Chuku’s in Tottenham has built up a following ever since opening in 2020 even though it has come with many challenges.
At the end of last year, the owners launched a challenge to get 600 bookings in six weeks – they managed to get 801. The support ranges from A-listers and footballers to everyday people trying to taste some of the unique Nigerian cuisines Chuku’s is famous for its original take and unique dishes of Nigerian tapas showing why it is so popular.
The good news continued into this year as they were also given £8,000 ($10,000) by Beyoncé’s foundation. The superstar who recently sold out five days at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium, her charity was also helping to support businesses in London.
READ MORE: ‘My favourite summer dress is from FatFace and the thing I love the most about it is the pockets’
The Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon was created by Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation to ‘celebrate people, communities, and small businesses impacted by economic inequities worldwide’ and Beyoncé had committed $1million (£806,401.00) to support those businesses.
Emeka Frederick, co-founder of Chuku’s, commented: “This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis. Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday. This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”
The Luncheon was held at the Four Seasons in Tower Hill where over 100 entrepreneurs gathered at the event with the chance to win $100,000 (£806,090) in prizes. With over 400 applications, Emeka and his sister Ifey were a part of the 2 per cent of winners on the night.
Chuku’s had faced challenges from opening during the pandemic as well as rising energy bills. The support from customers who flocked to help keep them running when they submitted their six-week challenge showed how highly rated they are.
At the time, Emeka told us: “From day one of the campaign, support came in thick and fast. We are so grateful that we can keep on celebrating the best of Nigerian cuisine and culture for now. But don’t forget that we’re here 52 weeks of the year – let’s keep this energy going.”
Even with Beyoncé’s grant donation, her support even stretched even further. Due to Chuku’s location and it being situated close to the stadium, many concertgoers visited Chuku’s for their pre-gig meals, all helping to support one of London’s ‘best’ independent businesses.
Ifeyinwa Frederick added: “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant – it feels a bit surreal. We’d already felt her impact when she was in town and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”
Our What’s On newsletter, Going Out Out, features everything from the most exciting events to the new bars and restaurants in the capital. You can sign up HERE
