I’ve been desperate for a venue like this, and as soon as I stepped through the door, I could instantly see MOBO founder Kanya King’s vision and legacy. That’s before even taking a bite of the food on offer, which the words on this screen could never do justice, simply comforting and delicious.
What is House of MOBO?
Inside the House of MOBO
House of MOBO is one of South London’s newest cultural venues, founded in partnership with The MOBO Awards, a long-running celebration of music of Black origin in the UK. The concept is simple: every day it hosts various cultural events aimed at bringing the community together and showcasing upcoming talent – music, arts, a spin on the classic pub quiz or comedy, for example.
Usually, it’s musical performances and themed live music nights which head up the events roster. Watch parties and private events also take place here. Entry is free, except during some live events where entry is ticketed.
When there are no live activities taking place, notably during the day, the venue works as a large bar/restaurant, with a kitchen run by award-winning duo Jess and Jo Edun, known as ‘The Flygerians.’
It is located at 255 Gipsy Road, at the corner of Gipsy Hill, six minutes’ walk from Gipsy Hill station.
Who are The Flygerians?
Left: Callum with Jess and Jo, The Flygerians; Centre: Callum outside House of MOBO; Right: A portrait of MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King inside House of MOBO
Jess and Jo are two enterprising sisters from South London, who are on a mission to bring Nigerian street food to the UK. Inspired by their grandmother, who would take them to the market at the crack of dawn to make the finest family recipes, they opened a restaurant in London’s only Black-women run shopping precinct, Peckham Palms, a short walk from Peckham Rye station.
Their success has taken them to the big screen, on MasterChef: The Professionals and recurring features on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch. In 2024, following the launch of their first cookbook, I had the pleasure of hosting Southern’s Reclaiming Narratives by Rail Black History Month event with them. If you want to find out their full story, and their surprising connection to Southern, listen to my conversation with them on Railblazers: The Podcast.
House of MOBO - how to get there by train
House of MOBO on Gipsy Road in South London
Take a Southern train to Gipsy Hill, and turn left when you exit the station. Continue six minutes’ walk to the end of the street and The House of MOBO will be directly facing you at the T-junction with Gipsy Road.
Travelling by train to Gipsy Hill is by far my favourite way to travel. There are frequent Southern services from across South London, and it takes just 26 minutes from London Victoria, 15 minutes from Croydon, and 12 minutes from Beckenham. It’s much faster than driving, and means I never have to argue about who the designated driver is. I also use contactless or Oyster so I can just tap and go, connected to the free Southern Railway app.
What to expect at House of MOBO - Unique and uplifting
Signatures from famous people inside House of MOBO
Even as I stopped by on a quieter summer Sunday, the House of MOBO still filled me with good energy. It’s not exactly a museum, but the artefacts and artwork I spotted across the venue remind me of all the positive moves MOBO has and continues to progress in the Black British cultural space.
There are shots of classic moments adorning the walls, and moments with some of the artists I grew up listening to: Sugababes (the originals, obviously!), Soul II Soul and Lemar. Hearing live music or background music playing through the venue in homage to them is meaningful.
Naturally, the late Kanya King’s powerful presence is felt. I could only look at the glorious portrait of her facing the bar to flashback to all the cultural moments she pioneered and which are still uplifting the community today, The House of MOBO is proof in bricks and mortar. This is somewhere you might come for a drink, a dance or a dinner, but stay for the community and connection.
Best South London Nigerian food with The Flygerians
Being a Sunday, I was easily tempted to go with the Naija twist on a classic English roast offered by The Flygerians team, but I opted for full on comfort food – trying out one of the new burger offerings. It was delectable, and full of flavour, sweet and sour. The rich patty complemented the creamy sweet plantain perfectly, with a selection of sauces oozing out.
I’d also recommend Two Fly Chicks with jollof rice for a strong start if you’ve never had Nigerian-inspired cuisine before, or “Naija Fish’n’Chips” for something more subtle. To wash it down, the bar offers pretty much every mocktail or cocktail you’d want, and as the afternoon I was there was not just roasting in the kitchen, a couple of scoops of cold and creamy plantain ice cream hit the spot for sure.
You’ll often find Jess and Jo at House of MOBO , or at the main The Flygerians site in Peckham, which always makes the meal more special, as – trust me on this one – you’ll get the love and energy that went into that meal the second you meet them. House of MOBO head chef Paris and her team are also incredibly friendly, so if the world of MOBO and fusion food is new to you, still check it out and you’ll find yourself ever so welcome. Without a doubt, House of MOBO and The Flygerians feel like a home from home for me, always worth a visit.
Food was provided courtesy of The Flygerians.
