This March, Heard – the burger restaurant from two Michelin-starred chef Jordan Bailey – will launch its first-ever collaboration, joining forces with Aji Akokomi, founder of Michelin-starred Akoko, on a limited-edition menu shaped by bold West African flavours.
Drawing on the sourcing standards and techniques honed in some of the world’s leading kitchens, Jordan Bailey and Aji Akokomi have collaborated on a menu that reimagines Heard’s signature burger style through flavours rooted in Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria. The Heard x Akoko collaboration menu will centre around The Akoko burger, accompanied by fries and a dessert, and be served exclusively at Heard’s Borough and Soho restaurants for two months from 1st March to 30th April.
The Akoko will comprise a thick aged-British beef patty, seasoned with Aji Akokomi’s special spice blend, layered with a bright tamarind jam and fiery sosu kaani purée of red pepper and scotch bonnet – balanced by yassa-spiced caramlised onions, melted hard goat’s cheese, and topped with fresh shallot and parsley. Served in Heard’s signature roast potato bun, the burger will come with dibi dipping sauce, incorporating a gentle heat inspired by Senegalese barbecue traditions.
Kelewele Fries will give Heard’s staple a Ghanaian twist, dusted with a savoury kelewele salt and crispy shallot crumb, inspired by one of Ghana’s best-loved street foods, and served with a sosu kaani mayo for dipping.
To finish, the Calabash Nutmeg Ice Cream Sandwich will reinterpret Heard’s signature dessert, layering a white-chocolate cookie with calabash nutmeg ice cream, alongside guava jam and caramelised white-chocolate crumb.
As with all Heard burgers, the menu will be served with a wine and beer pairing curated by Majken Bech-Bailey, Jordan Bailey’s wife and sommelier, including a Gewurztraminer from Cave de Hunawihr and Five Points Brewery’s XPA.
Of the collaboration, Jordan Bailey says “Working with Aji to create Heard's first ever collaboration menu has been so exciting, and it feels like a real milestone for Heard. It brings a West African perspective into the world of a burger, and sets the tone for how we want to collaborate going forward, creatively, respectfully, and always led by flavour. Together, we’re pushing the burger into new territory while staying true to what we do at Heard.
The Heard x Akoko collaboration will run exclusively at Heard’s Borough and Soho restaurants from 1 March to 30 April, featuring The Akoko burger (£16), also available as a halal version, alongside Kelewele Fries (£6.50) and the Calabash Nutmeg Ice Cream Sandwich (£8).
