London's only Senegalese restaurant and cooking school races to find new home

London's only dedicated Senegalese restaurant is in a race against time to secure a permanent home after the sudden closure of the south London cultural centre where it had been based.Little Baobab, which also offers free cooking lessons and training opportunities for young people, is seeking to raise £50,000 within the next two weeks to fund a move to new premises.The popular eatery operated from the Africa Centre in Southwark until July, when the organisation shut its doors after citing financial pressures.Now founder Khadim Mane has launched a Crowdfunder campaign in a bid to save the business and establish its first permanent base after years as a pop-up venture.The money raised would help pay for an open kitchen, equipment and furniture, allowing Little Baobab to continue serving traditional Senegalese cuisine while expanding its community work.Khadim Mane, founder and owner of Little BaobabLittle BaobabAny cash raised will also go towards other pre-opening expenses such as a rent deposit and legal fees.Mr Mane said he is determined to keep Little Baobab going. He said it has served as an important community hub for the diaspora connected to Senegal and Africa.He said: “Little Baobab is Little Baobab anywhere we go, we can make it happen and I’m not going to give it up.“It’s not just about food or about making a lot of cash, this is for the community and the community vibes are really strong.”He added “It’s like being in your living room with your friends, that’s what I’m trying to do. It’s about being with your friends, having a good time, eating your food and listening to your music.”Read MoreMr Mane also established a chef-training programme for people aged 18-30 who want to learn more about hospitality, working in kitchens and West African cuisine.The course is free of charge and combines theory and practise together.Little Baobab serves authentic Senegalese dishes including Thiebou Dienne, Yassa and MafeLittle BaobabThe business owner said some of the young people have gone on to work in his restaurant as kitchen porters, chefs and front of house staff.Mr Mane chose the name Little Baobab because of the childhood memories he had of visiting his father’s village, which was full of baobab trees.“It was the perfect name, the baobab is a really spiritual tree. Sometimes in the middle of the village you’ve got a big one where people gather round and they just eat, dance and play,” Mr Mane said.Little Baobab began with pop-ups featuring live music in east London a decade ago, before turning into a street food stall at Peckham Levels and more recently a 35-seat restaurant at the Africa Centre.The restaurant serves authentic Senegalese dishes including Thiebou Dienne, Yassa and Mafe. It went on to win the African Food Award at the Be Inclusive Hospitality 2025 Awards and was described as “a place you want to be” by food critic Jay Rayner.Since leaving the Africa Centre, the business has sustained itself by generating revenue through event catering, running kitchen takeovers, alongside monthly Teranga nights held in Lower Clapton.As of October 23, Little Baobab has raised £7,660 of his £50,000 target. Mr Mane has two weeks left to reach his fundraising target.