Backyard Africa · Prestwich
A Nigerian kitchen in Prestwich, with food and a dining room made for a warm welcome.
Backyard Africa began with a frustration Jinmi and his wife, Toluwani, experienced after moving to Manchester. They could not find the kind of Nigerian restaurant they themselves wanted to visit.
They knew Nigerians who travelled for hours to eat at established Nigerian restaurants such as Enish. Meanwhile, Jinmi's friend Stuart introduced him to Manchester's Egyptian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese food scenes: restaurants that gave people a clear and welcoming way into another culture. Yet Jinmi could not find a Nigerian restaurant that felt like it truly reflected the food, warmth and culture he knew.
The idea for Backyard Africa took shape through conversations between Jinmi and his friend and co-founder, Olamide. They wanted to give Nigerians a place they could be proud to call their own, welcome first-time guests into Nigerian food, and recreate the relaxed feeling of a Nigerian backyard.
Toluwani was part of the founding team from these early conversations. Dolapo, Nnamdi and Tosin joined later as the team grew.
Why "Backyard"
In Nigeria, a backyard is more than the space behind a house. It is where people gather.
"Come, make we go backyard go chop."
On another day, the invitation might be to chill, watch football, sing, talk, or simply spend time together. The invitation stays the same.
That became the idea behind Backyard Africa: a place to eat properly, feel comfortable and enjoy being together.
Why Prestwich
The team wanted somewhere reasonably close to home, in a good area, and accessible to people beyond one neighbourhood or community.
Their search eventually brought them to Prestwich, where Backyard Africa found its home.
Made like Mama's
"Made like Mama's" describes the standard set by the food people know from home: food made with care, confidence and generosity. No two Nigerian homes cook in exactly the same way; this is about that standard, not one fixed recipe.
For many Nigerians, the version of a dish they grew up eating becomes the reference point: the particular balance of pepper, seasoning, palm oil, stock, crayfish, texture and timing that makes it feel right. That balance is a house style, learned through family kitchens rather than written down.
At Backyard Africa, "made like Mama's" means cooking with that same intention: food that is properly prepared, generously flavoured and comforting enough to help people slow down, eat well and feel at home.
From our guests · 4.8 on Google
“Best Jollof I have had. Tastes like good home cooking.”
“Every bite was bursting with flavour.”
“Comfy seats, lovely decor, really tasty food and friendly service.”
