The Carpenters Restaurant and Lounge, situated on Wemco road, is not just your regular bar spot.
It houses a bar, a VIP lounge and a fashion store. There is also an outdoor barber shop and a nail salon.
If you are looking for a lounge experience with a unique twist, you might want to check out this spot.
- Menu variety – 7/10
- Food Quality – 8/10
- Service – 8/10
- Ambience – 7/10
- Value for money – 8/10
- Hygiene standards – 7/10
- Location – 8/10
- Consistency – 7/10
- Innovation – 7/10
- Sustainability – 6/10
- Waiting time – 7/10
- Online presence – 8/10
- Special features – 7/10
If you agree or disagree with our ratings and would like to provide your own review, head over to our review form, leave your review for all 13 criteria and an Ikeja Record editor will be in touch. To maintain the integrity of our evaluation system, we do not accept or publish reviews from persons directly associated with the restaurants they are reviewing, including (but not limited to) owners, investors, and staff.
Menu Variety
The Carpenters’ menu ranges from grilled meals like catfish and croaker fish to pasta dishes, rice, and traditional Nigerian soups such as goat meat pepper soup, catfish pepper soup, Ogbono soup, and vegetable soup.
Igbo dishes like Nkwobi and Isi-ewu are also on their menu. For drinks, there is a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails, beers, soft drinks, and wines.
They also serve intercontinental dishes like seafood pasta, chicken and mushroom stir-fry, and Chinese fried rice.
However, during our visit, we were unable to try their cocktails or mocktails as their mixologist wasn’t available. We had to settle for Chivita fruit juice.
Food Quality
For our meal, we ordered grilled croaker fish with fried yam slices as a side. We also ordered goat meat pepper soup and honey chicken wings.
The taste and freshness of the grilled fish were top-notch. It arrived sizzling hot, garnished with hot peppered sauce, cucumber slices, and coleslaw salad. The yam slices were crispy yet tender, and we loved how they were perfectly seasoned and not too salty.
The goat meat pepper soup was also delicious, well-seasoned with scent leaves and the necessary pepper soup spices. The pepper was hot but not too spicy, making the dish enjoyable. The chunks of goat meat were also considerably large.
The presentation of the meals was surprisingly great for a bar style restaurant. Our grilled fish and chicken wings were garnished with cucumber and well plated.
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Service
The staff were friendly and polite. Once we found a seat, a waitress promptly brought the menu and returned to take our order.
The staff demonstrated efficiency in ensuring timely service by delivering our orders promptly. They were also responsive to our requests and questions about the meals before serving them.
While we were attempting to shoot videos of the restaurant, a staff member politely informed us that filming was not allowed. They clarified that customers could take pictures and videos of themselves, not of the restaurant itself. However, after further explanation that we were there for a review, another staff member gave us permission to film and encouraged us to tag them in our posts.
Ambience
The design of the restaurant blended traditional and contemporary elements to create a vibrant and cosy outdoor atmosphere.
The exterior was an open space area where guests could enjoy the outdoor view and relax under the sky with colourful bulbs that light up the space at night.
The furniture included a mix of plastic and wooden tables and chairs, with walls painted in colourful murals and faux grass used for walls and floors.
A section of the outdoor area was roofed, housing the bar with lounge chairs and tables for guests who prefer sheltered seating. This area was adorned with faux flowers and green plants.
There was a large TV screen at the centre of the outdoor area and a smaller one in the bar section.
Trendy Afrobeats music from Nigerian artists played in the background, adding to the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.
Value for Money
The quality of food and service at The Carpenters Restaurant and Lounge was great for the prices charged.For instance, our grilled croaker fish cost N8000, and was sufficient for two people. A plate of honey spicy chicken wings cost N3000. A bowl of goat meat pepper soup was priced at N5000 and contained about 10 medium-sized meat chunks. While a box of Chivita fruit juice cost N3000.
With flavourful dishes, generous portions, and friendly service, dining at this restaurant was both worthwhile and enjoyable.
Hygiene Standards
The dining area of this restaurant was clean, with napkins provided on tables and chairs.
However, the outdoor area attracted flies, and there were no fly catchers to manage the situation.
Throughout our meal, we had to constantly shoo flies away from our food. The staff were diligent in clearing and cleaning tables after patrons finished dining.
Access to the kitchen area was restricted, so we couldn’t assess its cleanliness or adherence to health and safety regulations.
Location
The Carpentersis conveniently located on 11, Wemco Road, Ogba. Their clear signage makes it easy for customers to find them.The restaurant’s flexible opening hours, from 11 am until 10 pm, cater to both lunch and dinner visits.
The entrance is designed for easy access, with wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
Inside, the dining area features tables and seating that are accessible for individuals with mobility issues.
We spotted some cars lined up bumper-to-bumper along the road where the restaurant is located. This means the restaurant may have no designated parking lot, and patrons have to park along the road.
Consistency
Opened in 2021, it’s easy to see why regulars keep coming back. As first-time visitors, we were impressed by the rich flavours and authentic taste of the dishes.
The ingredients appeared fresh and high-quality, evident in each dish’s well-balanced, consistent taste, showcasing the chefs’ meticulous preparation.
With its welcoming atmosphere, excellent food, and high service quality, it’s an ideal spot for both casual evening meals and special occasions.
Innovation
The Carpenters stands out for its menu offerings.
Their menu blends traditional Nigerian dishes with modern twists and includes a variety of intercontinental options.
They cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.
The presentation of their dishes is also noteworthy.
Sustainability
As first-time visitors, we don’t have information on their practices related to sourcing ingredients and waste management, as these details aren’t publicly known.
For our takeaway packs, our food was packaged in reusable plastic containers.
Waiting Time
Once seated, the service was prompt. A waiter approached us within a few minutes to take our order, ensuring we had everything we needed and answered any questions we had about the menu.
The wait for our food took about 30-45 minutes, which is quite reasonable for freshly prepared meals.
Online Presence and Ease of Reservations
The Carpenters maintain an active presence on popular social media platforms like Instagram, where they regularly post updates about new menu items and special events.
Also, the restaurant provides takeout and delivery services through ChowDeck, offering added convenience for those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home.
Special Features
To enhance the dining experience, the restaurant often features live music performances by top industry performers.They host holiday celebrations such as Muslim Eid parties, Valentine’s Day, Workers Day, Easter feasts, and more, making these occasions special for their patrons.
The restaurant also offers a VIP lounge section for guests seeking a private dining experience. However, accessing this lounge incurs extra costs, as the menu prices are higher than usual rates.