Hans & René

Hans & René began in the kitchen of Tayo Bolodeoku, known to her customers as Mrs B, who started baking during a difficult period of her life and found it calming. What began as a home baking business has grown into a gelateria, cafe and bakery with several branches across Lagos and one in Abuja. Its mission, in its own words, is to bring joy to Africa and beyond.

Ice cream is the main draw. Alongside classic gelato flavours such as vanilla and Nutella, Hans & René is known for flavours that use Nigerian ingredients, including a zobo sorbet made with hibiscus, an agbalumo sorbet made from African star apple, a peanut flavour made with Nigerian Dune chocolate, and boli and epa, inspired by the popular street snack of roasted plantain and groundnuts. Passion fruit gelato has also been praised by reviewers. The bakery side covers celebration cakes, cupcakes, loaves such as lemon loaf, brownies, pies and apple crumble, and there is coffee to go with them.

The branch at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road is convenient for visitors staying on Victoria Island, and other branches include The Lennox Mall in Lekki, Glover Retail in Ikoyi, the Upbeat Centre on Admiralty Road and Ikeja GRA. Opening times can vary by branch, so check the store locator or social media before you travel.

Hans & René suits families with children, couples and anyone who wants an afternoon treat or an easy dessert stop after dinner. Trying one of the Nigerian flavours is the reason to come rather than ordering something you can get anywhere. Celebration cakes are also available for birthdays and events.

If you are visiting with children, go in the afternoon, when an ice cream makes a good break from the heat, and let them choose a small scoop of something new. Gelato melts quickly in the Lagos climate, so eat it on the spot rather than carrying it far. For celebration cakes, contact the brand in advance through its website or social media. Prices for gelato and coffee are moderate, while celebration cakes cost considerably more.

Ozumba Mbadiwe Road runs along the lagoon side of Victoria Island and is easy to reach by ride-hailing car. If you are staying in Lekki, the Lennox Mall branch pairs well with dinner or drinks at Mood Lagos on the rooftop of the same mall.