OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL EVENT
Under the Same Sun was our first Serveé gathering in Lagos. Held at sunset on 1 October at The Art Hotel, the evening brought together Nigerian Independence Day and the birthday of our host, Jojo Lara. It was a celebration on two fronts, and an opportunity to introduce Serveé to a city that has always been part of our story.
The starting point for the concept was Nigeria’s flag, and a detail in its history that we found particularly interesting. In Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi’s original design, a red sun sat within the white stripe before it was removed. We took this as our starting point, drawing on the colours and symbolism of the flag to shape the evening.
Rather than interpret them too literally, we let the ideas find their way into different parts of the experience. Green came through the menu, with Nigerian ingredients and produce at its heart. White informed the feeling we wanted to create around the table: one of peace, togetherness and shared celebration. Red appeared throughout the space as a nod to the original sun, a symbol of divine protection and guidance.
As the afternoon gave way to evening, guests gathered around one long table. Food, conversation and celebration unfolded against the changing light of the sunset. From the menu and tablescape to the flowers, fabrics and wider setting, each element was considered as part of the same picture.
For us, the evening marked a special first meeting between Serveé and Lagos. A chance to bring our approach to food, design and hosting into a new setting, while creating something that felt connected to the place and the people around the table.
And, of course, there was a birthday to celebrate. Under the same sun, we raised a glass to Jojo Lara and the year ahead.
A few moments from an evening we’ll remember.
