Charcoal is a roof top bar on the busy Aminu Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, set above a small arcade of shops including a hairdresser and a shoe shop. To enter, walk to the left side of the arcade and climb the stairs. The roof level comprises Charcoal restaurant and ‘Da Lounge’ bar. It’s a relatively new spot, and as such, seemed to be flavour of the month on my visit with every table full of refined and stylish Abujan’s catching up with each other. Nigerian nightlife can be a fickle thing, and crowds are often pulled away by the latest, newest offering, but the location here, high on the corner of Aminu Kano looking over the rooftops of Wuse 2 is impressive and should mean Charcoal has some longevity. There is an air-conditioned indoor dining area, but the balcony with its wrought iron railings and arched steel roof fringed by diminutive palm trees is an infinitely better spot. On my visit, the Harmattan winds that drive the Saharan dust over much of West Africa were just giving way to the beginning of the rains. The clouds boomed, flickered, and spat dramatically overhead. Food is a mix of continental and Nigerian offerings, all are well-presented and good-sized portions, the lamb suya was tender, and the pepper chicken was extremely spicy, even for my Nigerian guests. The cake selection was limited on our visit, but generally the balance here is good, with most dishes between N2500 and N3500. Those looking for a post-meal drink or even a dance can visit the adjoining roof bar ‘Da Lounge’, another recent offering. It has a good spirit selection and is also currently enjoying popularity. Alternatively there is Xtacy, a slightly older but still popular night spot on the neighbouring plot with three floors of terraces and bar space.