No. 19 Set to Become Number 1!

When we heard that Stephen “Kojo” Aidoo was behind the new No. 19 in Accra, we knew it would be a goodie. Why? Because Aidoo is already leading the bar game in the city, steadily climbing the ranks since 2008, when he took his hospitality job working the front desk at a hotel. Now, not only is he the founder and president of Bartenders Guild Ghana, co-founder of the upcoming Accra Bar Show, and Africa Middle East co-chair for Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards, but most vitally – in terms of venue administration – he’s the general manager behind Front/Back Accra, the wildly popular member’s club and bar, where Africa is celebrated on the daily. Over the last six years that Aidoo has been running things at Front/Back Accra, he’s created a world-class cocktail programme, with comprehensive and ongoing training for his staff. His unwavering commitment to upskilling has enabled his team members to excel in cocktail competitions while his skilled networking in the international arena has opened doors for global guest shifts. At the same time, Aidoo has transformed Front/Back Accra into much more than just a drinks outlet, hosting all manner of events, including huge live music gigs, fashion shoots, book launches, art showcases and more – the common thread being that Africa (and the African diaspora) is always front and centre. Naturally, all this bodes very well for Aidoo’s latest venture, No.19. We caught up with him to find out all about it.

What is the concept behind No. 19?

No. 19 is designed to be a vibrant celebration of African culture, embracing the rich flavours, diverse cuisines, and unique traditions of the continent. The concept is to create a unique and immersive experience that reflects the beauty and dynamism of Africa, showcasing products, events and creativity that reminds us of our heritage and bring a sense of pride and belonging.

What made you decide to open No. 19, and how is it different from other local venues?

I decided to open No. 19 with a vision to showcase the untapped culinary and cultural richness of Africa. What sets No. 19 apart is its commitment to celebrating Africa not only through the menu but also in its ambiance, music, décor and overall experience, providing a distinctive offering in the local scene. At No19, we want our clientele to get that warm welcoming feeling that people get when visiting the continent, and always remember wherever they go, that special home feeling.

How do you celebrate the rich and diverse flavours of Africa through the food?

No. 19 sources local, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that showcase the authentic flavours of Africa. The menu features a fusion of traditional recipes with a modern twist, and each dish is carefully crafted to represent different regions and culinary traditions, also incorporating influences from around the world – like our goat tagliatelle dish, that is clearly inspired by the Italian tradition of pastas with a blend of jerk goat meat that is widely consumed in Ghana and on the continent.

I think that the quantity and the intensity of the intricate flavours are definitely in line with the African lifestyle; you can’t pretend to make African food without these two elements. Plating is also an art form, with an emphasis on visually appealing presentations that complement the vibrant tastes.

What about your cocktail program?

The cocktail program at No. 19 is curated by our Bar Manager Noble Mantey Adzadi aka Eli Yong, who draws inspiration from both traditional African ingredients and global mixology trends. The goal is to offer a diverse and exciting range of cocktails that complement the culinary experience, providing a refreshing take on classic and innovative concoctions. Eli takes a hands-on approach to sourcing ingredients. Every month, he personally visits local farms and distilleries, forging connections with producers. This not only strengthens our ties with the local community but also allows us to gain first-hand knowledge of production processes, fostering transparency and accountability.

It ensures the freshness and authenticity of our cocktails, but also contributes to the economic growth of our community and promotes sustainability, which we take pride in.

I see you have akpeteshie on the drinks menu. What other African ingredients do you work with?

In addition to akpeteshie, No. 19 incorporates a variety of African ingredients, such as baobab, hibiscus, tamarind, prekese, lemongrass, and indigenous fruits and spices that show the rich tapestry of African cultures and the vast bounty of locally sourced ingredients; our cocktails are a celebration of both tradition and innovation. These ingredients are thoughtfully infused into both food and beverage offerings, adding depth and authenticity to the overall experience. We believe that by showcasing the richness of African ingredients, we contribute to a sense of pride for Africans, and a global appreciation of the continent’s cultural wealth.

How else do you celebrate Africa at No. 19?

The celebration of Africa extends beyond the menu to the décor, which features locally sourced artwork, crafts, plants and furnishings. Music playlists showcase a mix of contemporary and traditional African tunes. The staff at No. 19, from chefs to servers, embody the spirit of African hospitality; 100% of our staff are from Ghanaian or African origins, ensuring authenticity and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

How have your guests reacted to the Africa-focused theme?

Guest reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the unique and immersive experience that No. 19 offers. They always have a word about the aesthetic of the space.

The celebration of African flavours and culture resonates well with both locals and international visitors, creating a sense of pride and connection. For them, No.19 is a distinctive destination, where guests are taken on a culinary journey We hope to not only tantalize their taste buds, but also broaden their appreciation for the depth and variety of African flavours; they can enjoy their favourite drinks and foods with the added satisfaction of knowing they are supporting local communities and sustainable practices.

Ghana was the first African nation to achieve independence, on 6 March 1957, and in many ways Ghana is the continental leader when it comes to African pride. Tell me about this.

No. 19 takes pride in Ghana’s historic role as a leader in African independence. The restaurant actively participates in initiatives like “Beyond The Return”, and international music festivals or manifestations happening in Ghana. Additionally, No. 19 invests in the local bartender community and international manifestation contributing to the celebration of Ghana’s rich heritage and fostering a sense of unity and pride.

We are proud of our land, of our history and of heritage. We are driven by this spirit of pioneering in Africa. This is why No. 19’s bar is not just a place to enjoy drinks; it’s a space where stories unfold, connections are made, and the spirit of Africa comes to life. From the sourcing trips to the conservation efforts, every aspect of our cocktails and our food program is crafted to provide guests with an immersive and meaningful experience.

We want our guests to feel the reason of our pride by exploring the vibrant and diverse tastes of Africa, expertly mixed and presented with an artistic flair for them to feel proud too.

As Dr Kwame Nkrumah [the first African-born Prime Minister of Ghana] said, “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”

What can we do to elevate Africa’s status in the global hospitality industry?

No. 19 believes in promoting African excellence by consistently delivering high-quality experiences and showcasing the continent’s diverse offerings. We believe in telling our story as Africans through our products and creativity, sharing a narrative where African have the main voice and the main roles, where we don’t need to dilute or deny our Africanity – which is actually what makes us unique – and rather embrace our identity, and watch it set us up for success as we grow in authenticity. We equally believe in giving a chance to and promoting local talents, as well as generating collaboration with other African brands and establishments.

Participation in international events, and ongoing efforts to highlight Africa’s contributions to the global culinary scene, are other key strategies in elevating Africa’s status in the hospitality industry. VITAL STATISTICS LOCATION: 19 Akosombo St, Accra, Ghana DATE OPENED: 2023 OWNER: No.19 Hospitalities Limited GENERAL MANAGER: Kojo Stephen Aidoo BAR MANAGER: Noble Mantey Adzadi aka Eli Yong HEAD BARTENDER: Francis Lee INSTAGRAM: @no19.accra WEBSITE: www.no19accra.com The above interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.