The CEO Lounge officially opened in New Road on December 21, following a three-week delay due to licensing issues.
The Dagenham venue replaced fast food restaurant Mazee’s Place, and has transformed the interiors with marble-effect flooring and gold accessories.
Former Mazee’s Place has been transformed into an Afro-fusion restaurant (Image: The CEO Lounge)
Velvet sofas line the walls, while the bar has shelves of spirits backlit with gold panels.
The lounge’s launch party at the end of December featured samba dance performances, a chance to try the “specially curated” menu and a live DJ until midnight.
Victor Binitie, owner of The CEO Lounge, called the opening night a “resounding success” with an “electric” atmosphere.
He told this paper: “Guests were thoroughly impressed with the luxurious interiors, vibrant ambiance, and our unique Afro-fusion cuisine.
“It was heartwarming to see such a positive turnout and support from the local community.”
Since its launch, The CEO Lounge has held several festive events, a New Year’s Eve party and a “Wings & Casa night” pairing tequila shots with chicken wings.
Victor said the festive period was “especially busy”, but that it has been “a joy” to see customers celebrating at the restaurant.
The venue was granted a premises licence by Barking and Dagenham Council last month to sell alcohol and provide entertainment.
The Met Police withdrew its representation against the venue’s opening, which it had claimed could lead to crime.
However the venue agreed to reduce its opening and licensable hours to 1am on Friday and Saturday, and midnight during the week.
Licence conditions include that two security guards must be on duty from 7pm until 1am on Friday and Saturday, that staff should be given Ask for Angela training, and that staff should follow a dispersal policy when closing the restaurant.
Another condition dictated that bottle service must be presented in an ice bucket and accompanied with a meal, and that empty bottles should be “swiftly removed”.
Victor told a council meeting: “We want to ensure people can come and have a nice time without frustrating the residents.”
For more information about the restaurant, visit www.theceolounge.co.uk.
