FACT dined and delved into the story behind Ikoyi with its co-founder.
The inaugural FACT Dining Awards London celebrated the very best of the capital’s culinary scene, handing out forty-five awards across 23 cuisine categories and recognising over 150 restaurants. Combining critical opinions with public votes, the awards reflected both expert opinion and diners’ favourites. And, the top prize, Best Restaurant of the Year, went to Ikoyi.
Taking place on 25 September 2025 at ARCADE, Battersea Power Station, over 400 guests enjoyed a lively evening of entertainment. Ikoyi’s founders, Jeremy Chan and Iré Hassan-Odukale, were in attendance to receive the accolade. Following the ceremony, we sat down with Iré to discuss everything from the restaurant’s plates to philosophy.
Breaking Boundaries
Iré was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the United Kingdom. He grew up in a Nigerian family, where food played a central role in the culture. “Growing up I ate Nigerian food: plantain, fried Jollof, chicken and rice,” he laughs. “When we went out, we had a lot of Chinese food too”.
Iré went on to study at the London School of Economics, but never imagined he would create an award-winning restaurant. Today, you won’t find him watching TV or eating out, instead he loves reading. Right now, he is currently reading The Antidote by Karen Russell, which explores how a negative outlook can actually be beneficial.
He reveals: "I’m not a negative person, but I don’t always look at it from a happy place – so it resonates with me". He adds: “I’m not a chef. The idea was to do something fun, a bit like Nando’s. Initially, I imagined a chain, but it developed into what it is now – a space for creativity and flavour.” The result: Ikoyi, which is a nod to a neighbourhood in Lagos.
Designing a destination
When you enter Ikoyi, on the Strand, the space is sleek and sophisticated – and many of the plates and cutlery have been created bespoke for the restaurant. Drawing inspiration from the artist Mark Rothko and director Ridley Scott, the interior blends natural materials with industrial chic. Iré explains: “The first venue was colourful; the second venue is darker and more mature. The space references films like Alien – it’s an art installation in itself rather than art on the wall.”
Ikoyi cannot be put into a box. Its cuisine draws inspiration from across the world, producing dishes that are both familiar and boldly original. At its core, the menu celebrates micro-seasonality: vegetables grown slowly for maximum flavour, sustainably line-caught fish, and aged native beef. Every ingredient is treated with care, presented in its optimal state to capture its full potential while respecting its natural character.
Iré explains: “The British category is right. We use British ingredients. Jeremy and I are both British, with dual nationalities. The food reflects what’s in Jeremy’s head at the time. Being British is diverse, and this is our interpretation of that diversity. You can make unusual ingredients familiar. The flavours are bold and punchy. Textures might be unexpected, but that’s part of the experience.”
At Ikoyi, signature dishes include Jollof Rice with Crab Custard, featuring smoky brown rice and a vibrant yellow sauce, and White Pean and Flower Sugar with coffee caramel. The menu evolves constantly, reflecting what suppliers provide and what is in season. Dinner is available Monday to Friday with the tasting menu priced at £350. Lunch runs from Wednesday to Friday for the same menu. A shorter lunch menu is available at £150.
FACT Dining Awards 2025
At the FACT Dining Awards 2025, Ikoyi won in two categories: Best British Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year. Iré beams: “We were surprised. It felt great to be recognised as a British restaurant. The team works incredibly hard, and awards like this show people notice.”
The World’s 50 Best and MICHELIN have also recognised the concept. So, how do you now measure success? Iré says, “A restaurant’s success first depends on financial sustainability. Then it’s about giving guests the best experience and ensuring the team is happy and growing. Maintaining standards is pressure, but if we continue doing what we’re doing, it’s fine.”
In a city overflowing with dining options, Ikoyi distinguishes itself as something truly unique. And, winning the FACT Dining Award London cements its place as one of London’s most original culinary destinations. Congratulations, Ikoyi.
GO: Visit https://ikoyilondon.com for more information.