two menus for Okra made up of different sheets on clipboards
The restaurant menu is split into layers which can be easily swapped out to reflect seasonal changes to the recipes.
where's the west african food? one
West African food is largely missing from the British restaurant scene. The UK’s cooking establishment appear unwilling to welcome chefs cooking the region’s foods into their inner circles and the public are often unfamiliar with its culinary traditions. Traditional restaurant spaces can feel far from the inherently social ethos of West African cooking, so struggle to celebrate the culinary culture adequately. I wanted to explore how a restaurant could be designed to celebrate and embrace West African food in a British context.
where's the west african food? two
This project was one strand of a wider project examining how West African food could be successfully introduced into mainstream British taste. View its sister project here.
a wine bottle that has the okra logo and a patterned top
The earthy tones of the brand are inspired by my dad's memories of the landscapes of Sierra Leone, where our family originated from: red and orange, everywhere.
a roundel which reads 'can I take your order?' a wait staff's order taking notepad
All assets, down to the notebook and pencils staff use to take down orders, feature the same open, warm tone of voice.
get comfortable! one
OKRA is restaurant concept which places domesticity at the centre of its environment by subverting the principles we have come to expect in the restaurant space: here, the customers sit on long tables, often next to strangers. Dishes are often served in large sharing pots, where customers can ask for complimentary second helpings, whilst free-to-read books line the shelves.
Room for one more
at the table?
two signs in red and orange - one for today's tasters, one to explain seating
Signage across the restaruant encourages patrons to get stuck in and get sociable.
a patterned t-shirt
The t-shirts, designed for the staff, are covered in the same andinkra-inspired symbols found across the brand.
symbols and patterns one
The visuals balance sophistication with a sense of domesticity, transforming the formal dining environment into one which feels relaxed and inherently social. The use of patterning makes particular reference to adinkra symbology, found across West African art: some symbols with meanings linked to togetherness, unity and sociability are lifted directly from ancient motifs, whilst other symbols were newly created in line with this ethos and visual style. Layering of textures, patterns and colours creates a tactile, immersive environment.
a roundel that reads 'eat lots, share lots' an invitation with a front-facing envelope and a back-facing envelope
An invitation to the restaurant's grand opening.

Thanks for taking a look at this project!

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