a creative and welcoming space in the cultural heart of London

Located in Southwark, home to the city’s largest Black African community, The Africa Centre's new flagship building showcases the best of Africa-inspired designs and fosters a sense of pride in African heritage. As Oliver Wainwright put it in his article for The Guardian:

"Step inside the black-painted brick building and you find an unexpectedly warm world of sandy clay plaster walls, carved timber furniture, and woven light fittings, where metallic beaded curtains and rows of arches frame dining platforms and cosy seating nooks. Alluring fabrics cover the cushions, while perforated blocks line the restaurant counter and seating booths".

The new Africa Centre is a world apart from the dull 1960s former office building that architects Freehaus and interior designer Tola Ojuolape have beautifully transformed into the new home for contemporary African culture and heritage in London.

Opening times are as follows:

Monday - Our main site is closed but staff are working 10am to 6pm and we hold occassional events and can host your venue bookings!

Tuesday - Little Baobab restaurant and Maquis Bar is open between 12pm and 3pm. The Centre is closed but we hold occasional events and can host your venue bookings. 

Wednesday to Saturday - 10am to 10pm (exhibitions close from 6pm) 

Sunday - 10am to 6pm (exhibitions close from 4pm) 

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Restaurant by Little Baobab

The ground floor houses our restaurant and from the 6th September 2024 this ioperated by Little Baobab who join us in their new residency. 

Little Baobab is London's favourite Senegalese restaurant, bringing people together through sharing Senegalese food and culture with the spirit of Teranga. Little Baobab will be open Tuesday to Sunday serving up the best of Senegal's flavourful and exciting cuisine. Expect a set seasonal dinner menu showcasing authentic Senegalese flavours (think Thiebou Dienne, Yassa, Mafe and many more!), a casual lunch menu and regular live music events.  

Little Baobab has been operating for 10 years now in various forms. They are excited to open at the Africa Centre and to make a real home for Senegalese food in London, but will also have regular appearances from guest chefs cooking food from across the African continent. 

Little Baobab Restaurant is open:

Tuesday 12-3pm
Wednesday – Saturday 12-3pm and 6-10pm
Sunday 12-6pm

The bar space is operated by Maquis and is open from 12pm on Wednesday to Sunday, and 12pm to 3pm on Tuesdays

You can book a table here.

       

           

 

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FOR HIRE

Available for hire are the first, second, and third floors, a bar and lounge space, an art gallery, and a multi-purpose event space respectively.

MALANGATANA (FIRST FLOOR - LOUNGE)

MANDELA (SECOND FLOOR - GALLERY & EVENTS SPACE)

FEENY (THIRD FLOOR - MULTI-PURPOSE EVENTS SPACE)

BOOK A SPACE

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Visiting Us

When planning your travel, make sure to check the event times against TfL's Journey Planner or Citymapper for the latest travel updates and times.

How to find us:

• By Tube: Closest stations are Southwark (Jubilee line) and Borough (Northern line), both a short walk away.
• By Train: Waterloo Station is around a 10-minute walk from the Centre.
• By Bus: Bus routes 45, 63, and 100 stop nearby.