Up in Tottenham, one popular local restaurant is helping lonely Londoners make new friends as a balm for the miserable winter weather. Throughout the winter, Nigerian tapas spot Chuku’s is offering up complimentary dinners for strangers looking to make new connections. If you’re interested in bonding with people of different ages and from different backgrounds over food, Chuku’s is covering the cost of your meal.
The concept of breaking bread together is hugely important across the world. The power of food has always been something that brings people and communities together. And now Chuku’s is taking that a step further with a socially minded complimentary meal to bridge loneliness and the generational divide.
But why are they bothering? There are a few statistics that inspired the team to take action:
- over 80% of adults encounter barriers to meeting social needs.
- nearly a third of adults want more social interaction.
- 42% of Londoners wish their social circles were bigger.
- 8% of Londoners experience severe loneliness.
- 17% of people say there are no shared spaces where generations can meet.
All that to say, there’s clearly something in the air. Whether it’s the gloomy weather or a sign of the state of society, Londoners crave connection.
Ejikoro – a free meal to build connections
To help Londoners connect, Chuku’s is hosting a series of Ejikoro dinners throughout the winter. Named after the Igbo word for “connected,” these bring together people who might otherwise never cross paths or interact. The dinners are designed to be a safe, low-pressure space for conversation and connection.
At the meals, diners will sit down with up to five other strangers. The people at these tables are hand-selected by the Chuku’s team, with an eye for mixed groups. At most tables, there is an age gap of over 20 years, or even up to 50 years in some cases. Over delicious Nigerian food, connections are made and friendships forged.
And remember – the meal is free!
Said Chuku’s co-founder, Ifeyinwa Frederick:
“Londoners have a reputation for not wanting to talk to strangers, but we know firsthand that isn’t true – the city is desperate for connection.
At Chuku’s, we’ve always believed in the power of food to bring people together. Our restaurant has always been an inclusive space for everyone to chop (eat), chat and chill so we felt we had a unique opportunity to bring some joy to Londoners this winter while helping to break down some of the barriers we’re seeing in society right now.
Our hope is to show that we have more in common than we have differences, and that guests will leave feeling more connected – with a new friend or two.”
If you’d like to take part in one of Chuku’s’ Ejikoro meals, head here to apply to take part.
📍 274 High Road, Tottenham, N15 4AJ. The nearest station is Seven Sisters.