Named Èkó after the Yoruba language name for Lagos, this craft brewery draws on traditions from Africa’s wealthiest and most populous nation. Nigeria has a large and thriving diaspora community within the United Kingdom, especially London. The English capital has therefore had several enclaves battling out for the title of “Little Lagos.”
One of the candidates is Peckham, in the borough of Southwark located south of the Thames, where the taproom of Eko Brewery is located. The place is the brainchild of Anthony and Helena Adedipe, who were both inspired by the microbrewery scene in the United States to start something similar in Anthony’s native Peckham. Being of Nigerian ancestry, with family ties to Lagos, his idea to set Eko apart involved the prioritization of African techniques and ingredients, under-represented in beer-making, specially outside of the continent.
The main elements that define Eko’s originality are the use of hops from South Africa, and the presence of coconut palm sugar in most of their recipes. The sugary sap of the coconut and other palms are commonly used in African brewing traditions to make the beverage known as palm wine. The brewery originally started out in 2018 by making beers for restaurants like Chishuru and Akoko, both London-based eateries that have managed to earn Michelin stars for their takes on West African cuisine.
Eventually, they opened a taproom in Peckham, within a creative hub reconverted from industrial estate, known as Copeland Park. In early 2024, they started a successful crowdfunding campaign to open a brewery at the same site. As of mid-2024, plans are underway for construction to start, while their beer continues to be brewed elsewhere in England, but mostly served here. As a bonus, the space often serves as a platform for rotating chef pop-ups.
