West African food taught properly
A mobile cookery school dedicated to teaching the ingredient, techniques and stories of West African food and the food of the cultures connected to it.
Our mission
A school built around a cuisine that deserves teaching
The Lope Ariyo Cookery School is about West African food and the food of other cultures that share similar ingredients through culture and history. From Africa to South America and anywhere else in between. For now our classes are starting with West Africa, but as we expand, we'll be sure to let you know.
The journey so far
From an idea to a school.
November 2025
The idea
The idea for a West African cookery school takes shape. Lots of research and brainstorming class ideas happening!
January 2026
First tickets go on sale
The first three classes go on sale: Nigerian Street Food, Amazing Abula, and Incredible Iyan.
February 2026
The first classes
The school opens its doors for the first time. All classes are sold out and the school becomes real!
March 2026
Our first private class!
Second round of classes take place. First private class is delivered. Demand for jollof classes grows and Lope gets to planning.
April 2026
Jollof Time!
The school takes a short break. Nigerian Jollof classes are officially live and planning for the schools Ghanaian classes are underway.
May 2026
We get a new look!
Our official website goes live and our signature yellow and orange look is brought to life.
Our Founder
From cookbooks to classes
Lope wrote a cookbook called Hibiscus, published in 2017. She was titled the Observer Rising Star in Food and Hibiscus became a Gourmand Food Award shortlistee. Through teaching at Waitrose Cookery School and Aldeburgh Food Festival, and attending other cookery school classes herself, Lope noticed African classes were underrepresented in the cookery class space. For Lope, the cookery school is a space and community for those who want to learn about West African as well as those who are passionate about teaching it.
What we believe
Rooted in tradition
West African cooking is not a trend. Every technique, every dish, every ingredient has a history. We teach it that way.
Learning by doing
We believe the best way to learn is when you are doing, not watching. All our classes have a hands on approach so you can truly learn how to cook the dishes in the class.
A continent of flavours
Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond. West Africa is not one cuisine. We are building a school that reflects that breadth.
Book a class today
Pick a class that speaks to you. It doesn't matter if you've never cooked West African food before and it doesn't matter if you have. We want you here regardless