New Management, New Experience: Grey Matter Lagos Reopens

Grey Matter is back—no, not like your dusty ex texting "hey" at 2 a.m. It's more like a remix to a song we didn't even know had an original. We really should've known R. Kelly was sick when he put out a remix to "Ignition" without anyone knowing about the original song.

Anyway, I digress.

Grey Matter is, indeed, back. The location hasn’t changed; it's still at 21C Akin Ogunlewe St, Off Ligali Ayorinde St, Victoria Island. What has changed is the management. Out goes the previous, unnamed team, and in come Chef Imoteda and Toni Aladekomo. These are the sisters behind the revitalizations at Atmosphere (now called Mood) and that brief period when Filmhouse had a decent restaurant. They've come in to work their Kitchen Nightmares magic on Grey Matter. This isn't just a mere reopening; let's just say the place has seen a "timely restructuring."

Not Just A Restaurant, But an Experience

I’ve always been a big fan of the space. It’s what I imagine a Lagos version of Soho House would feel like, bad road outside and all. The revamped Grey Matter hasn't changed much in terms of interior, but there are some subtle tweaks here and there. Like a games room—perfect for your next grudge match in Scrabble—and a rooftop lounge equally suited for philosophical ponderings or snapping that perfect selfie. Planning an event? Rent the space, top to bottom. They've got you covered.

Culinary Canvas: The Museum of Food

At the heart of this reinvigoration is the Museum of Food, open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chef Imoteda explains the tapas-style menu: "We went with a Tapas menu because I wanted a place that I personally could go with friends and order a bunch of things. When we go out, we tend to order a bunch of starters to share." Toni Aladekomo backs this up, noting, "Also, it's a social house. We're big on community and sharing."

Clearly, social dining is part of the unifying vision shaped by these sisters.

Let's talk about the Batatas Bravas for a second—fried yam cubes smothered in ponmo pepper sauce and iru aioli. It's a Nigerian spin on the Spanish classic, patatas bravas; call it global fusion without the pretension. I tried it during a pre-launch tasting and became a fan. I also liked the cookie on the dessert menu.

Beyond her role as General Manager, Toni is the brains behind the bar, and she's not just serving up regular cocktails; her menu promises to surprise. Take 'The Garrison,' a creation featuring none other than garri water. Yes, garri water.

Not my vibe, but hey, take risk and succeed.

The rooftop, where the grill sizzles from 5 p.m. to midnight on weekdays and extends its hours till 2 a.m. on weekends, adds another layer to Grey Matter's appeal. Chef Bidemi, poached from Atmosphere (I'll never call it Mood), gives local favorites a unique spin.

You can check out the full Grey Matter menu HERE.

More Than Just a Meal

Some things at Grey Matter won't change, however. It has a rich history of fostering the arts, and that tradition continues. A rotating guest DJ is featured every last Thursday of the month, ensuring that the atmosphere at Grey Matter is as dynamic as its menu.

Maybe we bring back EatDrinkLagos trivia nights to Grey Matter. Since everyone is bringing back things.