The Camden -born rugby star may have won several trophies for England and Saracens and earned three nominations for World Rugby Player of the Year, but off the pitch, he has begun venturing into the worlds of art and literature. Inspired by his Nigerian heritage, Itoje recently co-founded Akoje Gallery & Residency, which showcases the work of artists from Africa and its diaspora. Here, he reveals his favourite spots around the capital.
This West African restaurant in Borough Yards is run by the same guys behind Michelin-starred Akoko . Their food is inspired by akara, a type of West African black-eyed bean fritter that’s also eaten by Brazilians (they call it acarajé). They’ve put a Western twist on it, so this fusion is interesting for both people who are familiar with traditional akara and those who aren’t.
With restaurants, you go for the food but you also go for the atmosphere and environment. The interiors are really good – simple but stylish, and decorated with some unique artworks. Address: Akara Restaurant, Arch 208, 18 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD Website: akaralondon.
co.uk It’s a very cool gallery. The Serpentine has two galleries on either side of the Serpentine Bridge in Kensington Gardens.
The Serpentine South has a very cool exhibition on at the moment, by the multi-disciplinary, Turner-prize shortlisted Yinka Shonibare. He’s also very impressive as an individual – although he has mobility issues he’s still creating beautiful art pieces. Suspe.