Why Pan-Asian Is Perfect Place To Welcome The Macallan’s Sherry Oak In Lagos

If you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life and a penchant for luxury hangouts in Lagos, Africa’s finest city and the home of jollof rice, pop music, and Nollywood, then you must be well-acquainted with the recently launched Mantra Restaurant and Lounge. If not, you’ve surely heard the buzz about it. No? Come on

Nestled right within the premises of Cumberland Hotel in the upscale Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, the high-class location will play host to the anticipated launch of The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 & 30 YO and there is a lot to unpack about the venue.

Image: Instagram.com/Mantra.Lagos

Tagged as the ultimate go-to destination for Lagos’ wealthy, Mantra Restaurant is all about that Pan-Asian vibe, and it doesn’t hold back. Ornate doors outside offer a sneak peek of the world that awaits you inside. From doors that seem straight out of a daydream to tables that exude Asian design sensibilities, captivating artworks, and an atmosphere that oozes that mysterious allure from the heart of Asia, this place is a teleportation device to another world entirely!

Image: Instagram.com/Mantra.Lagos

Image: Instagram.com/Mantra.Lagos

The restaurant is owned by internationally acclaimed Indian chef,  Cocinero Rakesh Talwar, a serial entrepreneur, who has a slew of restaurants in over 14 locations across the world, including The Spare Kitchen located in Mumbai, India, that serves modern local and global cuisine.

Rakesh has been quoted saying that his “love for [the] industry, and to see people coming back to my restaurants” is what keeps him on his toes. And he has brought his over 30 years of experience in the food industry in New York, Dubai and Singapore, to bear in the origins of the Victor Island location of his restaurant.

But it’s not just about the ambience; Mantra takes luxury to a whole new level with its culinary offerings (their menu includes Japan’s Wasabi Buttered Prawns, India’s Biryani and Indonesia’s Nasi Goreng. Awesome, right?), top-tier service, and price tag to match.

Image: Instagram.com/Mantra.Lagos

Also called Heritage Place, the restaurant is a one-story building that also serves as a lounge and bar – the first floor holds the exquisite bar. Ornate furniture and upholstery dot the establishment, with intricate patterns and carvings lining the walls across the rooms. Guests are greeted with interesting intricate framed photos and artworks that lend even more authenticity to its pan-Asian roots.

It’s no wonder that come September 8, 2023, the restaurant will serve as the backdrop as the famous whisky brand, The Macallan, hosts 30 select guests to the unveiling of the 25 & 30 Years Old offerings, the two oldest whiskies within its Sherry Oak range.

While the guest list appears to be tightly guarded, reports show that an exclusive list of only 30 of Nigeria’s most prominent faces in business, entertainment and media will be attending the soirée in Lagos this Friday.

From the looks of it, Nigerians are already on the lookout for the looks, people and highlights for one of the classiest launches by The Macallan this side of the country.